asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the fact that under present regulations the services of woodwork teachers are not available in secondary schools, despite the demand both by school authorities and students for this; and what measures he proposes to take to rectify this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Woodwork Teaching.
24.
The conditions governing the recognition of secondary teachers are laid down by a statutorily established registration council. That council has refused to register as secondary teachers persons with practical experience of woodwork who were trained at the Department's two years training course.
In December, 1969 it did, however, agree to register holders of the leaving certificate who had successfully completed the Department's three years training course.
The latter group are accordingly eligible for appointment in a fully recognised capacity in secondary schools.
Steps are being taken to recruit as many as possible suitable trainees in woodwork for both secondary and vocational schools.
Is the Minister aware that the secondary school in question was not able to obtain the services of a woodwork teacher because his qualifications would not be recognised by the secondary school?
That is a matter for the registration council. We are training considerable numbers now both from the leaving certificate and from those who have had experience in woodwork.
Is the Minister aware that the particular school has all the facilities, that some students were able to obtain one year's course and have not been able to continue because of the restrictions imposed by his Department?
It is not because of any restriction imposed by my Department. This is a matter which concerns the registration council.
Question No. 25. We cannot debate this one question.
It is a very important question. Could the Minister suggest how this particular school can obtain the services of a woodwork teacher to enable children to continue with this particular subject?
Question No. 25.
I asked the Minister could he suggest how this could be done.
The Deputy has already asked that question.
They could contact the local vocational education committee to see if they could have the use of a teacher on a part-time basis.
Is it not true that the Department of Education will not give sanction to any vocational education committee to employ a woodwork teacher? This is the case in Cork certainly.
I do not understand what the Deputy is talking about.
If I bring the matter to the Minister's attention will he look into it?
Yes.
25.
asked the Minister for Education if woodwork is recognised as one of the intermediate subjects.
Yes.