asked the Minister for Education the reasons for the decrease in the number of students attending vocational schools over the past 12 years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational School Student Numbers.
26.
The number of pupils enrolled in vocational schools in 1968-69 was 43,595 and in 1978-79 it was 68,120. There was, accordingly, a substantial increase in enrolment over this period.
The rate of increase in the enrolment in vocational schools, as also in secondary schools, was affected by the establishment of community schools during the period.
Does the Minister share my high regard for vocational schools and the work they are doing in urban and rural areas and especially since the leaving certificate was introduced some years ago? Can he give an undertaking that the standard of attractiveness of vocational schools will be maintained vis-à-vis other schools? Does he not agree that we should encourage the teaching of practical subjects in vocational schools? Further does he not agree that the decline in the number attending vocational schools between 1976-77 and 1978-79 is something that can only be described as disappointing.
Of course I appreciate the value of the work being done by vocational schools—I appreciated them long before 1968. Within the period mentioned by the Deputy in his question, the increase was of the order of 25,000 pupils. Obviously the mutual respect the Deputy and I have for vocational schools is shared by parents and pupils.
Has the Minister any information on whether the proportion of new entrants to vocational schools has been declining in the period mentioned by Deputy Collins in his question?
I have no information on that but an increase of 25,000 pupils indicates there was a large influx of new pupils to the schools.