asked the Minister for Education whether he can state if any conferences have ever been held in the larger National Schools in Dublin or elsewhere to consider how the aims of the National Programme Conference could be realised, and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of holding such conferences with a view to securing from the managers and teachers an expression of opinion as to the results of the work of the past ten years and closer co-operation in the future in the task of making Irish speakers of all the children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Schools Conferences.
I do not see any need for the holding of conferences such as the Deputy suggests. Discussions with regard to the realisation of the aims of the National Programme Conference have been held from time to time between inspectors and teachers of schools in their districts, and, after their ordinary inspection work in schools is completed. Inspectors also confer regularly with teachers.
I have arranged that a Committee of Inspectors and Teachers shall examine the present Primary School Programme and matters arising out of it. When the Committee furnish their report, I shall consider what further effective steps may be taken to advance the aim of the programme—the making of Irish speakers of the children.