asked the Minister for Education whether the Principle of the College of Art was appointed to his present position as a result of open competition; if so, under what appointment body the post was filled; and, if not, how the appointment was made, and by whom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National College of Art.
60.
The Principal of the National College of Art was appointed to that position as a result of an open competition held by the Civil Service Commissioners.
61.
asked the Minister for Education whether the Principal of the College of Art (a) was informed of the impending visit of the Scan-dinavian inspectorial group, (b) was requested to have students available for interviews and discussions and (c) was requested to have students' work available for inspection.
It is not correct to describe the visitors concerned as an inspectorial group.
The Principal of the College was informed orally some days beforehand of the impending visit. He was not requested to have students available for interviews and discussions. In any case the visit took place during the holiday period. He was not requested to have students' work available for inspection.
62.
asked the Minister for Education whether senior appointments to the teaching staff of the National College of Art are made following public advertisement of the post, remuneration and qualifications desired in each case; and, if so, by whom the appointments are made.
The practice is to have the senior posts in the National College of Art filled, after due advertisement, through open competition held by the Civil Service Commissioners.
63.
asked the Minister for Education whether any steps have been taken by him to investigate, substantiate or controvert the charges made against the National College of Art by the group of visiting Scan-dinavian experts that the College as at present constituted cannot be the starting point for the education of people in different crafts or indeed for the education of painters, sculptors or designers; and, if an enquiry is being instituted, who are the members of such inquiry board.
The question of charges necessitating investigation by formal enquiry arises only in the mind of the Deputy. I am, as a matter of normal procedure, having the position of the College of Art examined in the Department.
I have asked the Minister who are the members of this enquiry. Am I to take it that the members are taken solely from his Department?
I did not say there was any inquiry. I said that I am, as a matter of normal procedure, having the position of the College of Art examined in the Department.
The Minister is going to carry out an inquiry.
I am not interested in smart answers.
I am not interested in smart questions, either. If the Deputy wants information, he will get it, but the Deputy is on a short fuse with regard to this matter. I am having the normal procedure carried out. I have started investigations into the needs of the College and that investigation is going on.
I am asking the Minister what is the personnel of the enquiry, or inquisition, or whatever it is?
I do not like to call it an enquiry, or an inquisition, or an investigation. It is normal procedure.
Is the Minister dealing with it in person?
I am personally responsible for it.
Question No. 64.
Could I ask the Minister whether it is intended——
I have called the next question. The Deputy will resume his seat.