asked the Minister for Education whether he has been advised of the manner in which it is proposed to select 1973 H.Dip. in Ed. students; and whether he will ensure that personality and general suitability will be a factor in their selection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Higher Diploma in Education.
4.
Mr. R. Burke
As the universities are autonomous institutions the method of selection of students for the Higher Diploma in Education or other courses is a matter for the university authorities concerned. I have no function in the matter.
In view of the fact that the Minister is the prospective employer of all those teachers, would he not accept that he must have a say in the selection of teachers? With all due respect, the university authorities are not as well qualified as the Minister or his officers to decide who is the best to teach the children of our nation. Does the Minister think that the time has come when he must have a say in the selection of our post-primary teachers?
Mr. R. Burke
As the Deputy knows, I would hesitate to invade the autonomous area of the universities. It is an area in which I will be taking a particular interest. If the Deputy likes to keep in touch with me on this matter, I will consult with him on it.
Does the Minister accept that in the matter of appointing teachers or selecting prospective teachers, there are considerations other than purely academic ones, and that we must have regard to general suitability and non-academic factors?
Mr. R. Burke
Of the university colleges which the Deputy may have in mind, one is already carrying out personality assessments and this may be the method of the future. I will keep in touch with him about this matter.