asked the Minister for Education if he considers that, because of the audio-visual aids now available in schools, a singing test for female applicants should still be retained as part of the primary teacher training college entrance examination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teacher Singing Tests.
91.
Mr. R. Burke
Singing is an essential element in the curriculum of the primary school, and I think that few will doubt that it should be so. Furthermore, in junior classes particularly it is integrated with the teaching of other subjects as, for instance, in the singing of simple rhymes in Irish or in English.
It is necessary, therefore, that as many teachers as possible should be able to sing to the extent necessary to enable them to teach the primary school curriculum in full. Audio-visual aids, though extremely useful in education, would not compensate for a lack of ability to sing, or to teach singing, on the part of the teacher.
For these reasons I am not prepared, at this stage at least, to modify the requirement that girl candidates for admission to training must qualify in a singing test unless they have attained a very high standard in the other subjects which comprise the competition.
This matter was raised in the House some time ago.
And there was a song and dance about it.
In view of the progress that has been made since the matter was raised in Dr. Hillery's time, and the efficiency in audio-visual aids since, would the Minister not consider taking a leap into the middle of the 20th century in this regard, and, if possible drag the particular section of his Department involved in with him?
Mr. R. Burke
I can see immediately that there are anomalies involved in this and, as the Deputy suggests, we may be able to make some moves in this regard in the near future.
Good man yourself.
The Minister struck a right note.