Some 190 students who enrolled on a controversial online primary teacher-training course, run by the privately-owned Hibernia College, graduated in Dublin yesterday.
The students - the first to be awarded formal teaching qualifications in Ireland after studying online - received their higher diplomas in primary education after completing the two-year part-time graduate course last May.
The course uses a mixture of online content, live tutorials and face-to-face classes, with about half of all classes conducted via the internet. Fees are €6,595 for two years.
The decision by the Department of Education to sanction the course in 2003 prompted protests by students from the existing teacher-training colleges. They claimed the course represented a "threat to the professionalism of teachers" and expressed concern about a lack of transparency in the process of establishing the course.
They also questioned whether a part-time online course could be the equivalent of a university-accredited, full-time programme.
But Hibernia claimed it was catering to the demand for a part-time course which could deliver content in a flexible way. It said many of its students had been teaching for several years and said its fees were "very competitive".
The college pointed out that graduates underwent teaching practice, in-school inspections and formal examinations. They also spent a period of time in the Gaeltacht. This was in line with the teacher-training curriculum provided for by the Department of Education.
The Hibernia course was approved by HETAC, the higher education and training group, and was subsequently recognised by the department. However, last year a Dáil committee heard that there was a risk of oversupply of teachers because the department could not control the number of students which Hibernia, as a private college, could enrol.
A further 190 students from a second class at the college are due to graduate in October, with about 400 more expected to do so next year.
Commenting on yesterday's ceremony, John Carr of the INTO said it was still waiting for a review of the Hibernia course to take place.
"However, any day that 190 new graduates enter the profession is a good day and we congratulate everyone.
"We anticipate that there will be jobs for all trained primary teachers this year based on retirements, the department circular reminding boards of management of their responsibility to employ only qualified teachers, and the increased special needs posts," he added.