Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 May 1973

Vol. 265 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Qualifications.

5.

asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the document published by the National Science Council regarding the inadequate qualifications of some teachers of science and mathematics and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. R. Burke

A scarcity of graduates in science and mathematics in this teaching service is not a phenomenon peculiar to this country. It is, unfortunately, a universal one. However, it must be stated that the figures quoted in the report in question were based on a previous report which was commissioned in 1962. I am glad to be able to inform the Deputy that while the number of pupils in secondary schools increased by about 64 per cent in the period 1962/63 to 1971/72 the increase in the number of science graduates teaching in these schools amounted to about 100 per cent during the same period. I might add that this matter generally is one of those which falls to be considered arising out of the Higher Education Authority's report on teacher training.

Would the Minister consider some type of scheme under which teachers would be attracted into teaching science? There appears to be a scarcity in this area and, perhaps, some extra incentive could be given to people to teach science.

Mr. R. Burke

I will bear in mind what the Deputy has said about the desirability of putting more science and mathematics graduates into certain areas of education. Again, we are up against the autonomous stance of the universities. I will have an investigation made as a high priority in regard to the report of the National Science Council and the HEA report.

Top
Share