asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that, at a recent meeting of the Galway County Vocational Education Committee, it was stated that there was a shortage of instructors and that teachers would not apply for these posts because of the inadequate salaries offered; and,if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Vocational Instructors.
I have read the statement made at a meeting of the County Galway Vocational Education Committee on the 15th September, 1953, that there is a shortage of teachers of commerce, metalwork, woodwork, rural science and art.
The supply of woodwork, metalwork and rural science teachers does not quite meet the demand at present, but the numbers now in training should be sufficient to remedy the position, and arrangements are in operation which will ensure that sufficient numbers will be available in future to provide for wastage through retirements and for reasonable expansion in the service.
So far as I am aware, there are sufficient applicants for posts as teachers of commerce and of art. It may happen, however, that no candidate possesses the full qualifications laid down for a particular post, in which event a person without the full qualifications may be appointed on a temporary basis.
The salary scales and allowances at present in operation for vocational teachers are considered to be reasonably attractive.
If he thinks these terms are reasonably attractive, teachers in County Galway do not. That opinion is shared by the members of the vocational education committee.
Mr. Lynch
If that is so, they must have very extravagant ideas of what the proper remuneration should be for a teacher. I have the scales here, and they seem to me to be attractive.
In that respect, it would appear that the views of the vocational education committee are shared by teachers who are being presented with the opportunity to apply for positions and will not do so allegedly on the grounds that the salaries are not adequate.
Did I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to say that he believes the shortage ofteachers in woodwork can be remedied within a reasonable space of time?
Mr. Lynch
Yes.
I understand the present situation is that there are only 50 per cent of the number required actually being trained, and that there is no hope within the next three or four years of filling the demand. Has the position changed that much in the last 12 months?
Mr. Lynch
My information is that there will be 20 woodwork instructors available next June from a training course which began last year, and 20 woodwork trainees have just entered a two-year training course. It is expected that by 1955 there will be sufficient woodwork instructors to meet all the demands.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some county vocational committees expect instructors to cycle 20 miles to different schools?
This question refers to County Galway Vocational Education Committee.