Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Derek McDowell

Ceist:

46 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 603 of 23 March 1999 the efforts, if any, he has made to address the situation regarding the number of teachers of art employed in second level schools; the employment status of teachers concerned; the extent to which art is being taught by unqualified teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12798/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The decision in relation to the curriculum to be provided in an individual second level school is a matter in the first instance for the authorities of the school concerned. Where a fillable vacancy arises, it is a matter for the managerial authority to determine the subject area in which they wish to make the appointment. In this regard, the school authorities must take cognisance of the existing and future curriculum requirements of the school.

It is the policy of my Department that, as far as is practicable, teachers in second level schools should be qualified in the subjects which they are teaching. My Department proposes to issue to all second level schools in the near future details of the approved qualifications in art together with details of the colleges at which the courses leading to the award of these qualifications can be pursued. This will enable the managerial authorities to determine if applicants for the post of teacher of art are qualified for permanent appointment.

My Department has received representations on behalf of teachers of art who currently are not deemed fully qualified. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that, arising from these representations, a questionnaire was forwarded to vocational education committees recently requesting details of the qualifications and the status of unqualified teachers of art, if any, employed by them. The details, when submitted to my Department by the vocational education committees, will be examined to determine whether it is possible to address the shortfalls in the qualifications of any unqualified teachers employed so as to enable them to become qualified to compete for permanent whole-time posts.

In accordance with the provisions of the PCW agreement on teachers pay and conditions a committee has been established to adjudicate on applications for the payment of allowances in respect of qualifications. A number of art teachers have submitted applications for the payment of allowances and their applications are being considered by the committee.