asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether representations have been made to the authorities of University College, Dublin, to have examination papers in respect of scholarships tenable at University College, Dublin, set in the Irish language; and, if so, whether these representations have been acceded to.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Scholarships Examination Papers.
I am aware that representations referred to by the Deputy have been made to the authorities of University College, Dublin, and that, so far, the request made has not been acceded to.
As the Deputy is aware, universities in this country are autonomous and all matters connected with examination papers would normally be entirely within their own jurisdiction and not subject to outside interference or suggestion.
In so far as providing versions of scholarship papers in the Irish language affects the status and the progress of that language in the secondary schools I am having the situation investigated.
Does the Minister consider it desirable that this constituent college of the National University, assisted and supported out of public moneys, should impudently pursue a course contrary to the educational policy not alone of this Government but of two previous Governments? Is the Minister aware that the request to set similar scholarship papers was acceded to by the two other constituent colleges of the National University, namely, University College, Galway, and University College, Cork? In view of that, will the Minister not agree that no excuse can be made for this anti-national Roundhead attitude displayed by the University College, Dublin, Academic Council?
The Deputies should not ask a Minister about matters over which he has no control. A Minister is questioned on matters over which he has some control or function.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I give notice of my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I am afraid the Deputy cannot because the Minister can be questioned only on matters for which he is responsible. He has no function in this matter.
On a point of order, I understood the Minister to say that, in so far as the educational policy pursued in the secondary schools was concerned, it was a matter which was of concern to him and came within the scope of his Department. I understood the Minister to say that in his reply. On that basis, I submit that I am entitled to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
Without any reference to the university.
In so far as the actions of University College, Dublin——
I shall consider the matter.