asked the Minister for Education why the International Apprentice Exhibition arranged to be held in Ireland in 1975 has been cancelled.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - International Apprentice Exhibition.
16.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of annoyance and disbelief among apprentices and others regarding the cancellation of the International Apprentice Exhibition, 1975; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Mr. R. Burke
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
The holding of the International Trade Competitions for Apprentices in Ireland in 1975 would have involved a disproportionate expenditure on equipment specifically for the purpose.
I understand that alternative arrangements are being made for the holding of the competition and provision will be made to enable Irish apprentices to compete.
Would the Minister say if it is now proposed to hold the exhibition?
Mr. R. Burke
Not this year. We may hold it next year or the year after, depending on our economic circumstances.
We had next year in mind.
Mr. R. Burke
We may hold it the year following, that is, 1976.
Would the Minister not accept that it is very regrettable it had to be cancelled?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes, I regret very much the fact that we are in an economic blizzard which requires these cuts to be made.
Would the Minister accept that the bulk of the equipment to which he referred would be necessary anyway and could be utilised in our schools?
Mr. R. Burke
I accept that, but that does not necessarily mean that our present equipment is obsolete or due for replacement.
I tabled question No. 17 to the Minister for Labour because I appreciate that this is not solely the domain of the Minister for Education. Would the Minister for Education accept that very strong recommendations were made to him, including representations made by colleagues in the Cabinet? Is it the position now that, no matter what the Minister for Education requires or desires, there are other Ministers who will thwart him?
Mr. R. Burke
Representations were received from a number of people and organisations. When offers of help were not forthcoming I had to confirm my decision that the financing of the Department of Education could not make provisions for this item this year. I regret this very much. I reject categorically any suggestion that it was done for any motive other than financial stringency.
Would the Minister accept that other Ministers indicated elsewhere that they could not understand why money was not being made available for this very laudable exhibition, which would not cost more than a net £20,000 to £25,000?
Mr. R. Burke
The figure I have for costs is £193,000.
The bulk of that would go on equipment.
Apart from the downgrading of our craftsmen and the people who are training them for this competition, would the Minister not consider this money well spent considering we have such a drop in tourism? Money is being spent in all countries from which these apprentices come to promote tourism. The advertisement which the Minister has given to our tourist industry in those countries is disastrous.
Mr. R. Burke
Deputy Wilson would be better employed to avoid terminology such as "downgrading".
I will employ myself any way I like. The Minister should employ himself by doing some work.
Mr. R. Burke
The word "downgrading" has been used in respect of vocational education by too many people without foundation. I reject the suggestion of any downgrading.
The Minister started the competition and then did not carry it through.
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy asked me a question and he might let me finish.
I would like an answer.
Mr. R. Burke
I have no responsibility for tourism.
I know that, but the Minister has responsibility for the good name of the country.
Mr. R. Burke
So have others.
The Minister stated earlier that he was continuing to stress the desirability of technical education. Would he agree that the holding of this International Apprentice Exhibition would have the very desirable effect of giving a worthwhile boost to our technical education?
Mr. R. Burke
I agree with the Deputy. It was not a matter of pleasure to me that this had to be done.
One final question.
I am sorry, Deputy Tunney, we have had a debate on this question. Question No. 18.
This is a very important matter. Is it possible, even at this late stage, that, to use the common terminology, we could raise the wind anywhere so that we could make available a net £20,000 to £25,000 so that this exhibition could take place?
We must pass on to the next question.
Mr. R. Burke
I should like to answer the Deputy. I have tried to do this. If it were simply a matter of £20,000 to £25,000, without the necessity to re-equip to the extent of £173,000, perhaps it could be done. The figure is not £20,000 but £193,000.