Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 2

Written Answers. - Advertising Practices.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

68 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the circulars, if any, issued recently advising on advertising practices for second level educational positions; his views on whether it is good management practice that applications for the senior position of education officer be invited through a small classified newspaper advertisement, published on one day only during school holidays, allowing only five working days response time and without notice to principals or teachers in the vocational education sector; if his Department takes account of the quality and suitability of advertising before sanctioning an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7137/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Arrangements for the advertising of posts at second level are a matter for the educational institutions concerned and my Department has not issued advice in this regard.

However, my Department supports fully the principle of open competition for such posts and in this regard the question of establishing an agreed approach in respect of advertising practices in the VEC sector will be considered shortly by my Department and the other parties concerned.

In the case of the education officer post alluded to by the Deputy, the position is that under section 23(2) of the Vocational Education Act, 1930, the appointment of an officer of a vocational education committee is subject to the approval of the Minister. In the case in question, legal advice was obtained and the appointment was approved in accordance with that advice.