asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether music (or Irish singing) ranks as a second subject to qualify for sanction as a whole-time teacher under the Vocational Education Scheme, and, if so, what qualifications are requisite in music or singing, how many teachers have been sanctioned with music or singing as their second subject, and in what areas, and what qualifications in music or singing are held by the teachers so sanctioned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational Education Teachers.
This question appears to be based on the assumption that a whole-time teacher under a Vocational Education Scheme must be qualified to give instruction in two and not more than two subjects; this assumption is not correct. Certain teachers may hold recognised qualifications in only one subject, and others in three or more subjects. The qualifications which might entitle a person to recognition as a teacher of one or more of the many branches of music are so numerous and varied that it would not be possible to state them in the space of a reply to a question of this nature; I may say, however, that the qualifications of applicants for recognition are considered on their individual merits. Outside the County Boroughs of Dublin and Cork, there are no teachers in Vocational Schools holding recognised qualifications to teach music.