Two teacher-training colleges have expressed concern about the decision to approve a new privately run online course.
The governing body at St Patrick's College, Dublin, and Mary Immaculate College in Limerick say the decision to approve a course run by Hibernia College was made without consultation with them.
All 175 places on Hibernia's 18-month graduate diploma course for primary teachers have already been filled.
However, the colleges say Hibernia has no university links and no previous involvement of any kind in teacher education. They say they view the development with "the utmost concern". They say the new initiative is "highly experimental and gives grounds for serious concern in a number of areas, notably teacher formation, quality assurance, the professional standing of primary teaching and the future position of existing courses including the BEd".
The colleges also point out that the new course is 18 months part-time compared to the existing full-time 18-month graduate course offered by them.
They say a recent expert report concluded that a two-year full-time programme was needed. The course is to be provided mainly online.
"We see a particular role for online learning in the continuing professional development of teachers and are actively involved in a number of initiatives in this area.
"However, we do not believe that it is appropriate for initial primary teacher education."
The colleges express regret that this development has taken place without consultation or discussion.
"Among the uncertainties created are the intentions of the Department of Education and Science in relation to the intake into the next graduate course in the colleges, which would normally commence in January, and, indeed, the intake into the BEd."
The colleges have sought an urgent meeting with the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, to clarify matters.
Chaired by Dr Michael Herity, the governing body of St Patrick's College comprises staff and students of the college and of Dublin City University, as well as representatives of the educational, cultural and business communities.
