Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 5

Written Answers. - Journalism Course.

Micheál Martin

Question:

130 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education when her Department sanctioned the PLC course entitled Journalism and Publishing Programme provided at a school (details supplied) for the Institute of Journalism and Theatre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17307/95]

Micheál Martin

Question:

131 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if the teachers involved in the provision of the Journalism and Publishing PLC programme provided at a school (details supplied) were recruited in accordance with proper procedure, such as public advertisements followed by interviews; and if the teaching appointments involved were sanctioned by the school's Board of Management. [17308/95]

Micheál Martin

Question:

132 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if the Journalism and Publishing PLC programme provided at a school (details supplied) was funded from State or EU sources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17309/95]

Micheál Martin

Question:

133 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the relationship between the Institute of Journalism and Theatre and a school (details supplied) in the context of the provision of the Journalism and Publishing PLC programme. [17310/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 131, 132 and 133 together.

The post leaving certificate course in journalism and publishing was sanctioned in the school in question each year since 1989/90, and is funded by the Department of Education with assistance from the European Social Fund. There are at present 10 staff involved in teaching the programme, eight of whom were selected and appointed by the school board of management, and approved by the Department of Education in accordance with normal practice. The remaining two were selected by the principal and appointed by the school board of management as hourly paid part-time teachers, in accordance with normal conditions governing such appointments. In addition, a part-time teacher was previously employed on the course, having been selected by the principal and employed as replacement for a teacher absent on leave, also in accordance with normal conditions.

There is no formal link between the Institute of Journalism and Theatre and the programme in the school in question which is certified by the National Council for Vocational Awards. However, two of the lecturers in the institute also taught elements of the PLC course, and some of the materials used on the institute's courses were used on the post leaving certificate course.