asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the unsatisfactory arrangements at present obtaining in national schools with regard to the supply of materials for kindergarten and needlework, he will consider making a grant available to defray the cost of materials used at these classes, which is at present borne by the assistant or junior assistant, who, in most cases, is responsible for the classes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Materials for National School Classes.
I arranged recently that the question of the provision of materials for kindergarten and needlework should be the subject of Departmental inquiry. This investigation has not yet been completed and I am not, therefore, in a position to give any decision in the matter. In this connection the Deputy will appreciate that the implications of a departure from long standing practice, such as would be involved in the State taking responsibility for, or making a contribution towards, the supply of these materials, would have to be seriously considered, having regard to the probable cost and the difficulties of policy and administration.
Does the Minister consider the present arrangement is a satisfactory one from the point of view of the teachers?
I understand the present arrangement is not very satisfactory from the point of view of many teachers but, as I have indicated, the matter is being inquired into. Very important considerations have to be taken into consideration and the cost, so far as the inquiries up to the present show, may be very considerable if it is to be extended generally. As in the case of school books, it may be desired simply to provide for necessitous cases. I am sure the Deputy, if he has been in touch with people who have had this matter under review, will understand that it is an important but, nevertheless, a difficult question.