asked the Minister for Education whether it is permissible to enrol as pupils of a National School children and young persons between the ages of four and 18, and whether the attendances made by such pupils when entered and recorded in accordance with the rules of the Department may be reckoned for the purpose of calculating the average attendance required for the appointment or retention of an assistant teacher or junior assistant mistress.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - School Attendance Regulations.
Under the regulations, children may be enrolled as pupils of National Schools on reaching the age of four years, but may not be retained on the rolls after reaching the age of 18. Normally the attendance of pupils between these ages may be reckoned for the purpose of calculating the average attendance required for the appointment or retention of an assistant teacher or junior assistant mistress. Where, however, it is found that the enrolment of pupils is not bona fide, i.e., is not primarily for the purpose of their education, the attendances of such pupils are not reckoned for appointment or retention of teachers.
Mr. Murphy
As this question is very important, arising out of the answer, I would like to know how the Minister is able to satisfy himself that the attendances are reckoned for the purpose that he prescribes.
The Department considers these questions on their merits. Reports are made by the inspectors upon the circumstances in each particular case. I may say, however, that it has not been the practice of the Department of Education at any time to accept attendances in all cases as being bona fide. There have been, from time to time, instances, both under the present régime and under the old régime, in which attendances were found not to be bona fide; that is to say, the attendances were made up for the purpose of making what was called artificial attendances.
Mr. Murphy
I presume the Minister is aware of the fact that the salaries of teachers have been held up lately in connection with this matter.