Vol. 196 No. 9
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education the names and status of the persons engaged in the examination of the position at the National College of Art, the date on which the body or group was established, and the terms of reference or guiding lines, if any, given to them; whether any reference was made to the report of the Scandinavian Design Group; and, if so, what were the terms of such a reference.
72.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education if he has seen the recommendation of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that teachers be sent to Scandinavia for training to work as assistants in the schools and academies there; and if he proposes to take any steps to implement it.
73.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education if he has seen the recommendation of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that the education of architects, designers, painters and sculptors should be concentrated in one institution; and, if so, if he proposes to take any steps to implement it.
74.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education if he has seen the criticism made by the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that they encountered in Ireland the extraordinary situation of a multiplicity of art, architectural and craft schools not one of which appeared to be capable of adequately satisfying the needs of this country in regard to design; if he accepts this as fair and just comment; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in regard to it.
75.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education if he has seen the recommendation made by the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála that a co-ordinated scheme for raising the standards of design in schools, buildings and factories should be aimed at by the creation of an Irish institute devoted to the promotion of the visual arts; and whether he accepts this conclusion and proposes to take any steps in regard to it.
76.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education whether he has seen the recommendation of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála Teoranta that a tweed museum which would illustrate the history of the tweed craft industry should be established; if he accepts it; and if he proposes to take any steps to implement it.
77.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education if he has seen the recommendation of the Scandinavian Design Group sponsored by Córas Tráchtála that a new design school must be brought into being in Ireland; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter.
A Cheann Comhairle, with your permission I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 to 77 together.
As I stated in my reply of 27 June last, I am having this whole problem examined as a matter of normal procedure. The report of the Scandinavian group will be taken into consideration in connection with that examination.
May I ask the Minister whether he has any contact with any other Departments of State in regard to this matter?
That seems to be a separate question.
We got the answer just a few minutes ago from the Minister for Industry and Commerce. I just wanted to know whether the Minister cannot only hear but think.
Hell hath no fury like a beggar on horse-back when you take the horse from him.
Is the Minister aware that many people do not accept the Scandinavian standard in matters of design because of its austerity and because it is unsuitable to our people here? Furthermore, the Scandinavians do assume a pompous kind of authority in matters of this sort which I think we should not imitate.
The Deputy should be aware that nobody has the right to talk on this subject but Deputy Dr. Browne. In reply to the Deputy, as a matter of normal procedure, as I have already stated, the whole problem of education and art in this country is being examined by me.
And about time.
