Vol. 506 No. 5
217 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department did not run the finishing course to wind up the technical schools system of art teacher qualifications which had been proposed and agreed in principle in 1979 and 1981 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15674/99]
In 1974 my Department issued a circular to the relevant school authorities advising them that it was proposed to discontinue the award of the art teachers' certificate on the results of the technical schools – TS – examinations in art.
In 1980 schools were informed that the award of qualifications in art would henceforth be a matter for the National Council for Educational Awards.
The final TS examinations in art were held in 1988.
My Department's officials have examined the files in relation to the discontinuance of the TS examinations in art and can find no record of any agreement on the matter of running the course referred to by the Deputy.
My Department has received representations on behalf of teachers of art who currently are not deemed fully qualified. Details of the qualifications and the status of unqualified teachers of art, if any, employed by them have been sought from vocational education committees. When submitted, the details will be examined to determine whether it is possible to address the shortfalls in the qualifications of any unqualified teachers employed so as to enable them to become qualified to compete for permanent posts.
