asked the Minister for Education if she will include agriculture as a specific subject in second level colleges and schools throughout the country for the five years of second level education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Curriculum Subject.
17.
Agricultural science is included in the list of subjects approved for recognised senior pupils in second-level schools. It is considered that the needs of junior pupils are best met by a study of one of the science syllabuses available at that level.
Does the Minister consider the study of agriculture or agricultural science a very important subject in today's world, particularly in Ireland? Does she consider that the emphasis should be on agricultural education? I would like to ask her also if she is aware that the chance of the inclusion of agricultural science on the curriculum of any second level school is vastly diminished because of the pupil-teacher ratios introduced last year which have led to a great diminishment of choice options in the school.
In answer to the first part of the question, I agree it is an important subject. In answer to the second part, I do not agree.
As spokesman on education for Fianna Fáil I am disappointed by the note of irritability and petulence which has crept into the Minister's answers to any of us on educational matters.
That is not a question.
I will couch it in the form of a question. Does the Minister think that we are within our rights here as representatives of the main Opposition party to put forward at Question Time our points on educational matters? I feel sure that the Ceann Comhairle will agree with me that the petulant and irritable answers we have been getting do nothing for democracy or for the tenor of the House.
Arguments at Question Time tend to lead to that sort of thing.
We are trying to remain sweet and reasonable. I asked if the Minister accepted that the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio at second level schools meant that the pupils could not now take up subject options. This is a fact and the Minister said that she did not agree.
The record of the House will show.
I am not aware that my answers are in any way inadequate. I have given very full and reasonable answers to questions, despite a certain bellicosity from the other side. I repeat that I do not accept that the pupil-teacher ratio has affected the provision of agricultural science courses. If the Deputy so considers, perhaps Fianna Fáil could have thought about it before they introduced it into their Estimates.
There you are, the frisson is creeping in and we did not introduce it.
The Deputy does not like the answer. She does not like the truth.
The Minister says that it is a matter for the council and for the schools. Is that an adequate answer? Surely it is not.
That is the law. Does the Deputy not like the law?
We do not like petulance. It does not suit anybody.