asked the Minister for Education the number of untrained teachers at primary school level at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Untrained Teachers.
31.
On 1st February, 1970, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 1,344 untrained teachers in national schools. Of these 400 are junior assistant mistresses who are due to undergo the special course of training. Of the remainder many are religious who do a few years teaching practice before entering a training college.
Can the Minister state what is the attitude of his Department with regard to the number of untrained teachers at this level?
It is obvious that the Department are concerned about this matter because no untrained teachers have been recruited since 1958. Crash courses are being made available for untrained teachers under a certain age to get recognition as trained teachers.
Did the Minister say 1958?
Yes.
I can assure the Minister that there are many junior assistant mistresses in schools throughout the country.
Many of the JAMs who were appointed prior to 1958 are still there.
Not at all.
I can assure the Deputy that no JAMs have been appointed since 1958.
Would the Minister state the proportion of unqualified teachers who are availing of these special courses?
I can assure the Deputy that they are very anxious to avail of the courses. I would point out that these crash courses were started only a few years ago.