asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the document recently published regarding the future development of the National College of Art and Design, he will consider the admission of sixteenyear-old students who have reached intermediate standard and who have clearly shown creative talent; and, if not, if he will indicate where children in this category might advance their talents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National College of Art.
41.
Mr. R. Burke
The educational and other qualifications, including age, to be required of students admitted to the National College of Art and Design are matters for the board of the college, under the terms of the National College of Art and Design Act, 1971.
Apart from the National College of Art and Design, art classes are provided in many vocational and secondary schools throughout the country, in the schools of art in Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Dún Laoghaire and in the art departments of some regional technical colleges.
I suppose the Minister saw the report recently that this age limit of 18 is proposed and it is this proposal that gives rise to this question. Is the Minister aware that there are numbers of children who have a tremendous aptitude in this field and who have a very difficult time in completing the two years' schooling in their efforts to get the leaving certificate to qualify for the art classes? If the age were reduced to 16, would the Minister agree it would be helpful to these children if an outlet were readily available for them, or is the Minister trying to indicate to me that these children can join the vocational school at 16 years of age and get as comprehensive a training there as they would in the National College of Art and Design?
Mr. R. Burke
No. There is a difference between the type of art course followed in the National College of Art and in the other schools mentioned. With regard to the question of age, it is desirable, I think, in general that the age of entry into third level education should be around 18 years. Actually, in most European countries that is regarded as too low.
A child may not have an aptitude for mathematics or languages and be unable to get the leaving certificate but may be a potential Rembrandt. Should the fact that the child has no aptitude in matters not related to art ordain that the child should be prevented from taking advantage of third level art courses?
Mr. R. Burke
The 1971 Act, passed by this House, prevents me effectively interfering in this. The terms of entry are set out by the board. However, the Deputy's representations will be brought to the notice of the board.
The Minister has consultations with the board from time to time.
Mr. R. Burke
The officials of my Department have.