andMr. D. Costello asked the Minister for Education what conditions are attached by his Department to granting official recognition to associations representing (a) secondary schools and (b) teachers; what special rights and privileges are enjoyed by these bodies in virtue of the granting of such recognition; and what are the official titles in Irish and English of bodies at present so recognised by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recognition of Teachers' Associations.
41.
The main conditions are that the association concerned represents a substantial body of schools or teachers and is in fact representative of what it claims to represent. Recognised associations are consulted in relation to all major matters affecting courses and curricula and are free to make representations in regard to all matters affecting secondary schools and their staffs. I propose, a Cheann Chomhairle, with your permission to circulate with the official report a list giving the names of the recognised associations representing (a) secondary schools and (b) secondary school teachers.
List of recognised associations representing (a) secondary schools and (b) secondary school teachers.
|
Title in Irish where such is used |
Title in English |
|
Cumann na nArd Mháistrí gCatalaiceach |
The Catholic Headmasters' Association. |
|
Comhdháil na Meánscol Clochar |
The Conference of Convent Secondary Schools. |
|
The Schoolmasters' Association. |
|
|
The Central Association of Irish Schoolmistresses. |
|
|
Coiste Oideachais na mBráithre Críostaí |
The Education Committee of the Christian Brothers. |
|
Cumann na Meán-Mhúinteoirí |
The Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland. |
|
Irish Union of Assistant Mistresses in Secondary Schools. |
42.
andMr. D. Costello asked the Minister for Education whether any association representing a group of managers and headmasters of secondary schools has recently informed him that it has found it necessary to withdraw from official recognition by his Department; what is the title of this association; what reasons have been given by it for such withdrawal; whether his Department already refused to supply statistical information to this association regarding the numbers of honours graduates in mathematics and science entering secondary teaching within the period 1951-61, who are at present engaged in secondary teaching; and whether he proposes to refuse to supply statistical information to this association, and to avoid all communications on Irish education with it in view of its withdrawal from the unsatisfactory conditions attached to official recognition by his Department.
The association referred to purported to withdraw from recognition after it had been made clear to it that it would not be recognised under its new and misleading title. I refuse to supply any official information to this association as long as it continues to operate under this title.
Would the Minister say if the new title of the Federation of Irish Secondary Schools is any more misleading than the title of many other schools' and teachers' bodies, or indeed is it any more misleading than the title of the Minister's Department?
Some old-established other education associations have a title which would be misleading but for their long period in existence. The particular title in this case was put forward in relation to a proposal to federate all the groups dealing with secondary education and when the other groups, which represent about 95 per cent. of the pupils going to secondary schools did not come in, this group decided to found a federation on their own. Therefore, it is misleading and does not represent all the interests of secondary education.
Could the Minister say when the proposal was put forward by the 95 per cent. groups to whom he refers? At what stage was it considered?
It was put forward by this five per cent. group, that is, the group the Deputy is supporting. The other groups were not attracted by this so this group said: "We shall have a federation of our own," although I do not know how you can have a federation of not more than one group. I do not know if the Deputy is fully aware of what he is supporting. This man has acted as if he were the federation of secondary schools in Ireland and has made an open declaration——
What man?
This association. I doubt if the Deputy is fully aware of what he is supporting.
Does the Minister claim the right to dictate to these bodies as to what style and title they should adopt?
No, but I think I have a duty to protect the good name of this country. If anybody assumes a title which seems to carry authority and makes unfounded and discreditable statements about this country, I have a duty to the people.
Would the Minister say what unfounded and discreditable statements have been made by any teachers' body here?
I shall deal with that later.