do you need Irish a level to be a primary school teacher.

NigAoidh

I'm thinking of becoming a teacher, im from Belfast but want to live in the south and I am hoping that in 2014 I get accepted into university. I want to get a degree first, then teach, im not sure whether I want to teach primary or secondary, I like the idea of doing both.
So would I need A level Irish, to do this? I haven't got a language in a GCSE or a level, so I need to take a year out to get a GCSE before going to university. I've took Irish classes and I hope to continue them after Christmas but I find it difficult, so would this prevent me from teaching in the south? Would a GCSE in Irish do, or does it have to be a A Level?

Cailin CoisFarraige

To enter primary teacher education in Ireland, you must have:
• Grade C at GCE A level in at least three subjects, including Irish
• Grade C at GCSE Level in both English and English Literature, or Grade B at GCSE Level in either
• Grade D at GCSE Level in Additional Mathematics or Grade A at GCSE Level in Mathematics
• Grade C in one other subject at GCSE level

You could also study to be a primary teacher in a British University, but you would have to complete an Irish exam and spend 3 weeks in a Gaeltacht in order to be qualified to teach in the Republic.

I don't know about the requirements for secondary teaching, I don't think you need Irish unless you plan on teaching it as a subject. The Department of Education and Skills website http://www.education.ie should have the information.