1996/99
For up to date news visit the Connaught Telegraph website.
18 February 1998
DELAY IN TOP EDUCATION APPOINTMENT RAISES CONCERN
By Tom Kelly
Top level moves are being made to resolve an impasse in the appointment of a new Adult Education Officer by Mayo Vocational Education Committee.
Concerns have been privately expressed within education circles at the delay in filling the post which became vacant following the death of Owen Roe O'Neill over a year ago.
Efforts by Mayo VEC to make an appointment a number of months ago failed when those shortlished for the job following interview were deemed not to meet Department of Education requirements relating to the Irish language.
However, they were given the opportunity of improving their competency before a fresh round of interviews took place.
The majority of a seven-strong interview board expressed a preference for the appointment of Ballyhaunis secondary school teacher, Mr. Pat Higgins, for the position.
Four members of the board had a vote in the appointment, and three of them advocated the selection of Mr. Higgins, a member of the staff of Ballyhaunis Community School.
It is understood that representations were made to Mayo VEC over the delay in ratifying Mr. Higgins's appointment following the clear mandate of the interview board.
According to informed sources, local representatives of the Teachers Union of Ireland called for the interview board to be reconvened 'to complete the job it was appointed to do.'
It emerged last night (Tuesday) that the appointment has been delayed by the Department of Education in order to seek a clarification.
A report on this issue will be made at the next meeting of Mayo VEC on Thursday, February 26th, when the appointee is expected to be announced.
Mr. Higgins, who is a Fine Gael member of Mayo County Council, refused to comment one way or the other when contacted by the Connaught Telegraph.
