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. However, to allow those preparing for the art teachers certificate a reasonable time to obtain it, schools were informed that this would not be done immediately.
In 1980, schools were informed that the award of qualifications in art would henceforth be a matter for the National Council for Educational Awards. In 1981, my Department considered the question of providing a summer course to cater for persons with a minimum of three years' teaching experience who held the principles of teaching art qualification, but who had a shortfall of one or more of the necessary TS examinations in art. It seems there was insufficient interest to justify holding the course at that time. However, the TS examinations in art continued to be held until 1988.
In 1999, following receipt of representations on behalf of teachers of art who were not deemed fully qualified, my Department re-examined the position to determine whether it was possible to address the shortfalls in the qualifications of any unqualified teachers employed in second level schools so as to enable them to become qualified to compete for permanent appointment. As a result of that re-examination, arrangements were made for the provision of a suitable one year course by the National College of Art and Design in the 2001-02 academic year.
