Vol. 502 No. 3
603 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of art teachers employed in the second level education system; the number of full-time and part-time status; the nature of the qualification routes taken; the criteria in place for assessing incremental level and qualification related bonuses in each instances; and the extent of art teaching being undertaken by non-qualified art teachers. [7836/99]
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of teachers of art employed in second level schools, the employment status of the teachers concerned, and the extent to which art is being taught by unqualified teachers is not readily available in my Department.
There is a common basic salary scale for primary and second level teachers. In general, newly appointed second level teachers are placed on the third point of the scale. Incremental credit may be awarded in respect of approved teaching experience and/or relevant non-teaching experience in accordance with agreements reached at the Teachers' Conciliation Council. Each case is considered on its merits.
In addition to the basic salary, a teacher may qualify for the payment of allowances in respect of qualifications held. The amount of the allowance, if any, payable in any particular case depends on the type and level of the qualification concerned.
I have asked my Department to forward to the Deputy a list of the approved qualifications in art together with details of the colleges at which the courses leading to the award of these qualifications can be pursued.
