asked the Minister for Education if he has yet sanctioned the appointment of a new headmaster for Portlaoise Vocational School made by the Laois Vocational Education Committee; and, if not, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise Vocational School.
58.
Mr. R. Burke
The proposal of the vocational education committee for the filling of the post in question has not been sanctioned.
The provisions of paragraph 12 (b) of memorandum V.7 are applicable to the case of this applicant. These provisions are as follows:
In the case of a school with a points rating over 449, the person appointed should have not less than five years' whole time teaching experience preferably in the vocational education service....
The attention of the vocational education committee has been directed to the requirements of memorandum V.7.
Is the Minister aware— possibly he was made aware of it on Thursday of last week when he was visited by the chairman of the vocational committee together with another Deputy—that it is not the intention of the vocational committee in Laois to abide by the ruling contained in paragraph 12 (b) of the memorandum just quoted? Is the Minister aware that it is the intention of the vocational committee to appoint this man as a teacher in charge until such time as he qualifies to become headmaster? Is the Minister going to allow this flouting of the rules?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy has widened the scope of the question. In answer to him, I am aware of the many aspects of this thing. I was asked if I had yet sanctioned the appointment. I have not yet sanctioned it. My function is related to the sanctioning. The name put before me has not been sanctioned and, as far as I am concerned, that is where the matter rests for the moment.