asked the Minister for Education the reasons why a permanent director has not been appointed to the National College of Art and Design.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National College of Art and Design Director.
28.
The post of director of the National College of Art and Design was advertised in late April and early May of this year. The board of the college decided not to appoint a director from among the applications received.
Pending a decision by them on the further action to be taken in relation to the appointment of a permanent director, the board have appointed one of the professors as acting director as from the 1 November 1978.
I look upon this failure to appoint a permanent director, as opposed to an acting director, as most unfortunate. The college seem to have tremendous difficulty in getting a permanent director. Would the Minister agree that part of the reason for not getting a permanent director on this occasion was the reluctance of his Department or the Department of Finance to sanction a suitable salary for the post? If this is so, would he agree that taking such a miserable attitude to such an important post is detrimental to the development of the college?
I would not agree with the Deputy that the salary the new director of the National College of Art and Design will have, will be a miserable one.
What is the salary?
I could not give it to the Deputy offhand, but it will relate to the salaries of the principals of the teacher training colleges. The National College of Art and Design is involved in the training of art teachers.
Questions Nos. 29 and 30 are for written answer.