asked the Minister for Education what is the present position regarding the proposed new third level institute of education in Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Education Institute.
109.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that the appointment of a director for this institute was recently announced. He will take up duty on the 1st January next. The establishment of the proposed planning board will be completed shortly afterwards. The work of planning will then be commenced.
In view of the fact that an apparent conflict has now arisen between the views of the HEA and the views of the Limerick project committee, can the Minister clarify the position by stating clearly what courses will be provided in the new institute in Limerick?
I am not aware of any great difference. However, the point is that when the director takes up office together with the planning board, of which two will be from the Limerick project committee, they will consider the whole question of courses and so on with a view to establishing the type of institute that would best suit the national need.
Is it not a fact that agreement was reached long ago in relation to the courses and is the Minister now having second thoughts in the light of the recent report of the HEA? The courses were agreed on long ago. Has there been any change in this? The Minister does not know what courses will be provided, does he?
This whole matter will be discussed by the director and the planning board and I am sure, in relation to the courses, the results will be to the satisfaction of everybody, including the people of Limerick.