HEA plays down fall in applications for teacher training

The Higher Education Authority is playing down an 11% fall in applications for places in teacher-training colleges this year.

The fall has been highlighted in CAO figures based on college applications made by Leaving Cert students earlier this year.

It comes at a time when the Government is trying to attract more men into primary-school teaching.

However, the HEA says the fall of around 400 in the number of applications was not a major cause for concern.

Spokesman Fergal Costello said the number of applications was still far in excess of the number of places available.

"Obviously, though, if the trend is continued, it's something we would want to pay close regard to," he added.