asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of statements attributed to the president of the Teachers' Union of Ireland to the effect that there is a problem of semi-literacy among one-third of the pupils at vocational schools in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Semi-literacy Problem.
37.
Mr. R. Burke
There is no precise definition of the term "semi-literacy" and statements in regard to its extent at any time and in particular circumstances should be treated with reserve. There will, of course, always be a problem of standards and it is necessary to make suitable arrangements to meet changing requirements and new needs as they arise.
In connection with the question of comparison of standards of attainment of pupils in specific subjects at the age of transfer to secondary schools it should be noted that the current arrangements provide for the transfer of all primary school pupils to secondary schools, while in the past only a minority of the pupils proceeded to secondary education. The average age for the transfer of pupils from primary to secondary schools is also lower than it used to be in former years.
It is not feasible for me to go into more detail in relation to this matter in reply to a Parliamentary Question.
Would the Minister probe the matter further and ask the person who made the statement whether he can give him evidence on this point?
Mr. R. Burke
I have done precisely that, not in respect of the person who made the statement but in regard to the general idea of semi-literacy. My Department are not satisfied that the statements are sufficiently scientific or that a generalisation such as has been made can be made.
Would the Minister inform the House of the final outcome in this matter?
Mr. R. Burke
I certainly will. I will tell the House the progress made in regard to this matter in my next Estimate speech.
Arising out of the Minister's reply and his reference to the transfer from primary to secondary schools, is the Minister aware that at this very moment in certain schools in Dublin, and I am sure in the rest of the country, an operation of selectivity obtains and children are not being admitted unless they reach a certain standard of academic attainment and would he have this practice discouraged?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not prepared to state that I agree that the matter is as the Deputy suggests. It may be true in respect of some schools. If the Deputy brings specific instances to my notice I will certainly take action in regard to them.