Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:16 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education the number of women inspectors in her Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department Inspectorate.
There are 30 women inspectors serving in the inspectorate of my Department. This total is made up of seven primary inspectors, ten post-primary inspectors and 13 inspectors of guidance and psychology.
In 1992 there was a total of 29 women inspectors out of a complement of 171 whereas the current number is 30 out of a complement of 163.
I have arranged for a review of the recruitment procedures, deployment and working practices of the inspectorate with a view to having a gender equitable system and to encouraging more women to apply for posts within the inspectorate.
I have recently received from the Minister for Equality and Law Reform a copy of the report on a survey of equal opportunities in the public service. The report highlights the virtual absence of women from senior management in the public sector.
I will co-operate fully in the introduction of progressive policies of equal opportunities to ensure that the current pattern of inequality within the public sector is effectively reduced.
It is a disgrace that less than 20 per cent of school inspectors are women. This needs to be redresed urgently. School inspectors serve as a role model for young people and it is not good enough that over 80 per cent of them are male. Will the Minister set out what she proposes to do about this and the time frame in which it will be achieved?
I am not in a position to set a time limit. The Minister for Equality and Law Reform has been in touch with other Departments on equal opportunities in the public service. I have given a commitment to work with him in order to ensure that women are promoted in the public service. I take on board the Deputy's remarks that inspectors are important role models. The two challenges are that women have an opportunity to seek promotion and that promotion in the public sector is open not only to their male colleagues but to women. In schools we are educating people to take their place in society and it is important that they have role models. I can assure the Deputy that I will be co-operating fully in the introduction of progressive policies because I accept that the current inequality in the public sector is a matter of concern.
I support the policy to achieve equality because there are severe gender imbalances in teaching, particularly at primary level. Will the Minister take on board recommendations from teachers that certain inspectors ought to be well briefed on sexist language as in carrying out their functions they should not make sexist remarks? I have heard from teachers that the word "chick" has been used by some inspectors when referring to women. Until equality is achieved, it might be worthwhile to circulate a memorandum to the inspectorate to ensure they are made aware of the need to use non-sexist language.
I take the Deputy's remarks about the relationship between the inspectorate and the teaching profession. I would welcome specific details from the Deputy if he wishes to make them available. In tackling the challenge of gender equality, we have in place information packs which emphasise that teachers should realise the importance of their relationship with the children. I was disappointed to read in a survey made available to me in the Department prior to Christmas that sexism and children's ideas about themselves can be formed as early as senior infant level. If the Deputy has specific worries I will take note of them and pass them to the relevant authorities. Relationships between adults are role models. We aspire to educate children to live in the world where equality is the norm rather than the exception.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Regardless of gender balance or sexist language, will the Minister ensure that all inspectors apply common sense as this is vital when they visit schools? The Deputy will not remember the old days when inspectors should have been tied up and left in Dublin permanently.
I note the Deputy's comments.