asked the Minister for Education how many responsibility posts have been established in (a) primary, (b) secondary and (c) vocational schools; how many such posts will be created in each area; on what criteria will teachers be appointed to them in each area; and if the anticipated cost to the State in each area has yet been estimated by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Educational Responsibility Posts.
52.
Including posts as principal and vice-principal 6,528 posts of responsibility have been established in primary schools, 3,395 such posts are available in secondary schools and 1,495 have been established in vocational schools. The estimated respective costs are £1,340,000, £965,200 and £364,000. The position in future years will be governed by the number of pupils in the schools. The normal criteria followed in making these appointments are general suitability and qualifications and length of teaching service.
I assume the Minister is telling the truth in these figures because it was not the impression I would have gained from my contacts with the teaching profession. On the question of criteria, is it really sufficient in the Minister's view to say "general suitability and experience"? What are these posts created for? Are they awarded for seniority, length of service, the performing of some specific function, like running the local debating society, or locking the door after the pupils have gone home? I do not think the Minister has answered that part of my question which asks what criteria are used.
I hope the Deputy is not suggesting that I am not telling the truth when I give these figures here.
I assume the Minister is.
I have given an answer in general form. The criteria for making these appointments are general suitability and qualifications and length of teaching service. All these are taken into consideration in making these appointments. These are the criteria.
In effect, I think, the Minister is simply refusing to answer my question. May I ask him (1) will junior teachers, in terms of age, with special and valuable qualifications in, for example, mathematics and science, be appointed to these posts of responsibility? and (2) what is the difference between a post of responsibility and a post of special function?
I shall not go into any details in this particular reply because I have given the general situation and each case would be considered on its merits.
In other words, there are no criteria.
There are general criteria which I have given the Deputy in the reply.
The Minister has certainly given me the picture.