Vol. 219 No. 3
asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the possibility of providing crash courses for untrained national teachers; whether such courses have been approved in principle by his Department; and, if so, when they will be provided.
65.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement regarding the future policy of his Department towards untrained national teachers at present employed in national schools; and whether there is a danger of such teachers becoming redundant through the amalgamation of schools.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together. I have under examination the question of conducting a series of summer courses for the purpose of affording untrained teachers the opportunity of obtaining status as trained teachers. Pending the completion of this examination and consultation, where necessary, with interested parties, I am not in a position to make a general statement in the matter.
With regard to the possibility of untrained teachers becoming redundant through the amalgamation of schools, if what the Deputy has in mind in that connection is that these teachers may find themselves without a post, I would like to allay any fears he may have. Such will not happen.
Are the categories of teachers here referred to what are popularly referred to as JAMS?
That is right.
