asked the Minister for Education if he has, as yet, studied the legal advice offered last March to the Laois County Vocational Committee in relation to their dispute with him; and if he will now announce his decision in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois VEC Dispute.
16.
Mr. R. Burke
I have seen the legal advice in question. It was discussed at the meeting of the County Laois Vocational Education Committee on 14th April, 1975, and their views thereon were conveyed to me in the minutes of that meeting. I am now considering the views of the committee and will be in touch with them in due course.
Is this what the Minister promised on the 11th February last when he said that he would determine this position on receipt of legal advice? Does he agree with a recent statement of the chairman of the Laois vocational committee in this regard that they have been proved right now and that the Minister has no justification?
Mr. R. Burke
I would have to have evidence of any such statement before commenting, that is if I would comment at all.
The statement appeared in yesterday's edition of The Irish Times. Would the Minister agree with the claim that there is confusion regarding the regulations contained in memo V7 regarding teaching experience?
Mr. R. Burke
There is no confusion in regard to the teaching regulations.
Is the Minister not aware that the majority of the committee in question are playing ducks and drakes with him and that the situation has been shown in this light in the national Press? By dallying in making the proper decision the Minister is suffering the ignominy of having those people laugh at him.
Mr. R. Burke
I am prepared to endure the laughter of people provided I get the right decision in the end.
Is it the laughter of fools?
Is it a question of giving way to the master of craw thumpers on the Minister's side of the House?
The Deputy is introducing argument into the matter.
Can the Minister say when he will give a decision?
Mr. R. Burke
In due course and when it is appropriate.
This matter has been going on for the past 12 months. In view of the overall clash between the majority of the committee and the Minister, surely it must be appropriate now to make a decision.
Mr. R. Burke
I am considering the views of the committee and will be in touch with them in due course.
Is it not true that the lapse of time may change this situation?
Mr. R. Burke
If the Deputy would be specific on that, perhaps I could help him.
Is it not true that the question is one of the length of service necessary in order to qualify for the position concerned and that if the dispute continues long enough, the individual in question will have had enough service to qualify for appointment?
Mr. R. Burke
I am surprised at the Deputy not realising that the length of service is that obtaining at the point of competition.
Deputy Oliver Flanagan says differently.
The Minister is simply shirking his responsibility.