Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 3

Written Answers. - Art Teachers.

Dan Wallace

Question:

156 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the number of art teachers currently employed in our second-level education system; if she will give a breakdown of this figure by permanent/full-time and part-time status; and her views on the current level of priority attached to art in the second-level curriculum. [9157/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of teachers of art employed in the second level education system is not readily available in my Department.

The White Paper,Charting Our Education Future, has as an objective that, on completion of the junior cycle, all students in accordance with their abilities and aptitudes will have experience of the artistic area of activity. The creative and performing arts are distinctive and intrinsically valuable educational disciplines.

The new junior cycle curriculum regards arts and culture as key elements within the school experience of young people. Art also plays an important role in both the leaving certificate and in the new leaving certificate applied course.

According to my Department's records, pupils in 759 second level schools are studying art as a curricular subject. Candidates have been entered for art in this year's junior certificate and leaving certificate examinations by 669 and 623 schools respectively.