asked the Minister for Education if he will arrange for courses of elementary instruction in practical housekeeping to be provided in vocational schools or elsewhere in areas of concentrated housing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Instruction in Practical Housekeeping.
58.
The provision of courses of instruction in practical housekeeping in any particular area is a matter, in the first instance, for the vocational education committee concerned.
With regard to areas of concentrated housing, in cities and large towns, where vocational schools already exist, suitable instruction in domestic science is provided for girls attending day courses and there are also classes in domestic science for adults in the evening. In a number of such areas which are not yet served by permanent vocational schools, evening courses are provided in suitable premises, usually rented by the committee.
With regard to what the Minister said at the end of his answer, would he not arrange for some commonsense housekeeping courses to be provided, not courses of domestic science? Domestic science is one thing, but does he not agree that there is a great need for commonsense practical housekeeping courses?
That is a matter for the local committees. I would encourage it, and any proposal put up by a committee would have my support.