asked the Minister for Education if the proposed university merger in Dublin has been abandoned; if not, what stage of progress has been reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
27.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Education.
26.
asked the Minister for Education if the Higher Education Authority has considered or is considering the structure of the governing bodies of the Irish University Colleges; if so, when they will be in a position to publish a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
28.
asked the Minister for Education whether his Department has under consideration a new structure of administration of university education which would render the university system accountable to the general community.
29.
asked the Minister for Education whether the autonomy of university authorities extends to the right of excluding certain categories of citizens, who are educationally qualified for entrance purposes, from participation in the educational facilities of the university; and what his attitude is in the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 27, 28, and 29 together.
The whole future position in relation to university education in the country in general and in Dublin in particular is at present under consideration by the Higher Education Authority. When the views and recommendations of the authority have been received by me they will be examined in my Department without any undue delay preparatory to making a submission to the Government.
The functions which the Higher Education Authority will have in relation to the overall provision for university places and the placement of students are set out in the Bill at present before this House.
Specifically arising out of Question No. 26, is the Minister aware that this university merger proposal will shortly celebrate its fourth anniversary and that replies, essentially the same in tone to the one he has given now, have been given during that period? Further, would the Minister not agree that while this question mark hangs over the university merger in Dublin, major changes that are eminently desirable in the structure of the governing bodies of the Irish colleges are being shelved? Will the Minister not agree that this is unfortunate?
I think the Deputy will agree that because of the exceptional importance of the decisions to be made in relation to this matter, even if a period has elapsed since proposals were first put forward, it is in the interests of education that they should be carefully considered. I have already stated this and, perhaps, the Deputy will agree that with the lapse of time the matter can be approached more calmly and objectively than would have been the case in the early stages.
What the Minister is saying is that the whole idea has been abandoned.
What the Minister is saying is that he is awaiting proposals from the Higher Education Authority.
Has the Minister any idea when these proposals will be made available?
I cannot state when this will be.
Within the next year?
I cannot state that.
Can I take it that the merger proposal is still on the table for discussion by the Higher Education Authority?
The Higher Education Authority is considering the whole aspect of higher education.