asked the Minister for Education whether scholarships, awarded to engineering students at the College of Technology, Bolton Street, Dublin each year on the results of annual examinations, will be awarded for the current college year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Engineering Scholarship.
36.
Mr. O'Leary
Mr. O'Malley
The awarding of these scholarships is a matter primarily for the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee.
I understand that the particular scheme of scholarships to which the question refers has been discontinued since 1965 but that another more general scholarship scheme is being operated this year and includes scholarships for engineering students at the College of Technology, Bolton Street.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Minister aware that, in addition to the other problems at the two colleges of vocational education this year, the discontinuance of this scholarship which obtained until last year has added to the discontent of students at this college? It is a rather strange commentary on the new deal in education that such scholarships should be discontinued before this new scheme comes in.
Mr. O'Malley
With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, I have had discussion with the students directly and I do not think this facet was unduly worrying them. The position is as stated. I quote from the minutes of the meeting of the Vocational Education Committee that in November, 1965 they decided that that would be the final year for that type of scholarship. Then we were informed by the principal officer of the committee that the former scheme which was replaced was considered by the committee to be an unsatisfactory one because it provided that pupils who obtained the highest marks, irrespective of whether they succeeded in reaching a satisfactory standard or not, were awarded scholarships. There was great objection to this in the past and this new scheme seems to have got more or less universal acceptance.
Mr. O'Leary
But the new scheme does not operate for the current year.
Mr. O'Malley
Oh, yes. At the present time there is a scheme in operation in Bolton Street and Kevin Street College of Technology of scholarships for the first year of award on the GCE "O" level and on the GCE "A" level and for renewal there-after on success in the relevant professional examination. The value of these scholarships is £40 per annum plus free tuition.
Mr. O'Leary
Does this go according to year?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes, that is right.
Mr. O'Leary
Just according to year?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes.