There are two second-level inspectors of music in my Department. At primary level, inspectors evaluate and advise on music education in the context of the arts within a broadly integrated curriculum.
The information requested by the Deputy on the number of specialist teachers of music is not readily available in my Department.
Music technology is an optional component of the revised leaving certificate music syllabus introduced in 1999. To ensure the satisfactory implementation of this syllabus, a comprehensive two-year programme of in-career development for teachers of music, including courses in music technology, was set in place. Further courses for teachers are provided on an ongoing basis. In relation to music technology, an innovative pilot project has been established in five schools in Cork under the schools integration project – SIP – which is part of the schools' IT2000 initiative. It is envisaged that the outcomes of this project will assist in informing future policy in this area.
The allocation of duties to holders of posts of responsibility in primary schools is a matter for individual boards of management and relates to the organisational needs of schools. There is no direct connection in second-level schools between a teacher's field of expertise and his or her promotion to a post of responsibility. The number and level of posts of responsibility in a second-level school is determined by the number of whole-time teacher equivalents in the school. The duties assigned to posts is a matter for the school authorities, having regard to the agreed schedule of posts.
However, following a review of the provision for music within the City of Dublin, City of Limerick and County Cork Vocational Education Committee schemes, my Department has approved a new post of responsibility system for these music schemes. The vocational education committees concerned are in the process of implementing this new system.