asked the Minister for Education if he has considered whether the three-year cyclical system for arts evening students will result in the huge numbers of night students in the faculty of commerce at UCD being still further increased, with consequent deterioration in the standard of personal attention which can be given to these students in a faculty where the staff student ratio is already far the lowest in that college; and if he will state the results of such consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Evening Courses.
29.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 7th July, 1970, to other questions concerning the recent decision of the governing body of UCD in regard to arts courses for evening students.
I have nothing to add to that reply except to state that I have already conveyed the concern of the Deputies and my own concern to the UCD authorities.
This is the second time today that I have got no answer to a question. As the Minister knows well, the question he was asked the last day, and to which he has referred, was entirely different from today's question. It is outrageous to behave in such a fashion as to pretend to answer questions but not to do so.
I note that the Minister has conveyed his concern to the faculty. Is he prepared to state what is the intention of the authorities in this matter since so many people are concerned about being able to undertake this course?
I have asked the UCD authorities to review their decision but I have no further information.
Can the Minister say when he will have further information?
I cannot say.
Would the Minister not go on record as saying that to date the governing authorities have failed to live up to their responsibilities in this matter? UCD belongs to the people of Ireland and not to any small selective group.
It is better than any other college in this country.
It is between you it is.
Would the Minister not accept that there is a need for him to inform the House as to what precisely he conveyed to the college authorities?
Why not talk about TCD or UCC?
I have put my views to the college, as I stated on the last day here, and I would hope that they would review their decision. Of course, the best way to ensure that these courses would be made available would be if the governing body were to reverse their decision.
Can the Minister say if he has been in touch also with the authorities of TCD or if Government pressure for these courses falls on one college only in the city?
At the moment, I am in touch with UCD.
What about UCG?