asked the Minister for Education the amount of State funds spent per annum on each higher diploma student in the several university colleges and the University of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Higher Diploma Students.
75.
Mr. R. Burke
Information is not available which would give the specific cost of each higher diploma in education student. The university colleges have been requested to provide estimates of the cost and I shall have such information supplied to the Deputy when it is received in my Department.
Is the Minister aware that there is considerable disquiet in the education departments of universities that some of the money allotted on a per capita basis to higher diploma students is being spent otherwise? Does the Minister think that the result of the inquiry he has made to the university colleges will enable him to rectify this position?
Mr. R. Burke
I understand that the direct expenditure of the Department includes teaching costs incurred for other courses provided by the Department and costs, for example, associated with research. I have no machinery available to me which would enable me to break down these costs. I am at the mercy of those who can do so to provide me with the information. I have already told the Deputy that I will pass on the information when I receive it.
Would the Minister inform students that the number qualifying for the higher diploma in education far exceeds the number of teaching posts available in secondary schools?
Mr. R. Burke
I agree with the Deputy that the number far exceeds the number of posts available in secondary schools and I am now drawing and will continue to draw attention to the fact that there are too many students doing the higher diploma in Education. I will avail of any possible opportunity to repeat the message in the future.