asked the Minister for Education if he has considered the appointment of a full-time director to the Cork Teachers' Centre in Cork city.

I regret that budgetary considerations in the present year do not allow of the creation of new posts in the public sector and that therefore the establishment of a full-time director in the teachers' centre in Cork cannot at present be sanctioned.

Approval has been given however for the release of the present part-time director from teaching duties for a period of six weeks in the school year in order to enable him to prepare programmes of work for the centre. An honorarium is also paid to the part-time director in recognition of the extra duties involved.

I am sure the Minister is aware that there are two full-time directors employed in the centre in Dublin. Does he not agree that the Cork centre is handicapped by not having a full-time director and that it is unable to fulfil its full potential? Is not this a case of "spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar" by not having a full-time director employed in the Cork centre?

I agree with the Deputy that the services of a full-time director would be desirable but I have indicated in my reply why that is not possible in the present year.