asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to fill the position of headmaster at Portlaoise Vocational School, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the failure of the vocational committee to fill this vacancy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise Headmaster Vacancy.
10.
Mr. R. Burke
The question of the filling of the vacancy for a principal teacher in Portlaoise Vocational School has been the subject of correspondence between my Department and the County Laois Vocational Education Committee for some time.
The committee have not yet submitted a proposal in the matter of which I can approve in accordance with established practice, procedure and regulations.
Is the Minister aware that at a meeting of the vocational committee on Monday last there was discussed a directive issued to them by the Minister as recently as last week, so far as I am aware and that, despite that directive the committee are continuing to appoint a temporary teacher as headmaster? Is the Minister satisfied with the appointment of a man who is not qualified to become headmaster and will he not insist on the appointment of the applicant who was qualified?
Mr. R. Burke
I intend taking steps in the near future to remedy the situation once and for all.
Can the Minister give us any idea of what steps he intends taking? The situation is one that calls for strong action because the committee have decided against implementing the Minister's directive.
Mr. R. Burke
Perhaps the Deputy might like to wait and see what happens.
We have been waiting a long time.