asked the Minister for Education the qualifications necessary for appointment as Director of the National College of Art and Design; the reasons for the non-appointment of a Director in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Director of National College of Art and Design.
31.
The qualifications prescribed for appointment as Director of the National College of Art and Design were (a) to be a graduate of a recognised College of Art or have an appropriate academic qualification; (b) to have proven ability and standing in the particular field or profession; (c) to be fully familiar with art education at third level and be conversant with art education at other levels; (d) to have proven administrative experience with ability to delegate authority and responsibility.
It was also prescribed as highly desirable that the successful applicant should have an understanding and appreciation of the cultural background of this country and have experience in the field of education.
The post was advertised in late April and early May of last year. The board of the college decided not to make an appointment as a result of that competition. The board has appointed one of the college professors as Acting Director pending the readvertisement of the post of Director.
Would the Minister not agree that it is a matter of urgency that a Director be appointed to the college? It was not done last year. Can the Minister assure the House that the relevant advertisements and procedures will be now followed to ensure that a Director will be appointed to the National College of Art and Design in time for the commencement of the new academic year in September?
As the Deputy is aware, the board have full responsibility to appoint a Director and I will facilitate them in any way I can to have a Director appointed as soon as possible.
Does the Minister agree that there is an urgency about appointing a Director to the college? I am not reflecting in any way on the present Acting Director but, in order to lay down the way forward for the college, a Director must be appointed this year.
I agree it is very important. It is the National College of Art and Design and we should get a Director for it as quickly as possible.
Is the Minister aware if a Director will be appointed during the summer?
It is a matter for the board.
The Minister is not aware?
I am not so aware.
That is very poor.
This House passed an Act giving certain powers to the board, among them being that of appointing a Director.
Could the Minister not meet the board and relate to them the wishes of the House that a Director be appointed as quickly as possible?
I have been in close contact with the board.
Is the Minister not aware that a Director will be appointed this summer?
If I had answered the question earlier in the year I would have thought there would have been a Director appointed already. The board decided not to appoint a Director as the result of that advertisement. I have no intention of exercising any pressure on them to appoint the next time if they are not satisfied with the applicants.
The Minister is not aware——
I am fully aware of the situation in the college and am in close contact with the chairman and the board.
The Minister is not telling the House.