asked the Minister for Education the number of students who sat for the leaving certificate examination in 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leaving Certificate Examination.
12.
Mr. R. Burke
The number of students who sat for the leaving certificate examination in 1974 was 26,892. In addition, there were 4,016 candidates who sat for one or more subjects.
Has the Minister any information about the employment available to the bulk of these students, having successfully completed that course?
Mr. R. Burke
I am afraid this is something which is outside my sphere of jurisdiction.
Would the Minister accept that it is a matter to which the Department might devote some attention, seeing that the course being followed does not seem to qualify these students for any particular employment?
Mr. R. Burke
I take the Deputy's point that many educationalists believe there is an overdue academic interest in second level education, but the percentage increase in the vocational education vote from 1972-73 to 1975 Estimates is 87.86 per cent.
Therefore, the highest proportion of the money for education is going into the vocational education sector and will in time remedy this aspect of things.
Would the Minister consider booking some space in the national dailies or taking some time on television to explain to the parents of these children that at the moment academic second level education seems to be a cul-de-sac?
Mr. R. Burke
I have tried, in the 21 months since I became Minister, to continue the emphasis which was put by my predecessor on bringing to the attention of the public the desirability of having skills other than merely academic skills for the future employment of our students. I will take every opportunity on television and by making speeches to emphasise this point.