asked the Minister for Education why scholarships to regional technical colleges are confined to students who have enrolled in a vocational school as whole time students for the duration of a senior cycle course; and if he will consider amending the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act, 1968, to extend the scope of the scheme of scholarships.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Technical Colleges Scholarships.
48.
Scholarships to regional technical colleges are awarded by vocational education committees. A small number of committees confine the scholarships to students of vocational schools and I have indicated to these committees my wish that the scholarship schemes should be opened to all post-primary students. The grant schemes framed under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act, 1968, are in respect of students following degree courses or courses which are equivalent to degree courses. I do not propose amending the Act to extend the scheme to courses which are not of degree level.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell me if finance is available to the same extent for scholarships given to those who are not attending vocational schools? If that is not the reason what is the reason? Why do the committees to which he referred not make these scholarships available other than to those who attend vocational schools?
The Deputy will probably appreciate that these scholarship schemes are organised by the vocational education committees themselves and there is nothing new in their confining the scholarships to students who come through their own schools. The Minister has clearly indicated his wish that they should be extended to all post-primary pupils. To allay any fears the Deputy might have, about 30 committees had such schemes last year; in six cases only were the schemes confined to vocational school pupils. As a result of the Minister's consultations with them two of the six have now opened their scheme. In other words, there are 26 schemes open to all post-primary pupils and only the other four have a limited form of restriction.
To what extent is finance made available by the Department towards these scholarships?
They make their proposals under the Act, as the Deputy is well aware.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary give them any money for the scholarships?
Yes, indeed.
How much?
I do not know how much.
What is the proportion?
That does not matter.
Is it envisaged in the future that the regional technical colleges will be allowed to have courses up to degree level?
That does not arise from the question.
It does in so far as it relates to the Higher Education Grants Act. Will the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it is desirable that the regional colleges should have degree type courses in line with those in polytechnic colleges in England?
I will not be lured into a discussion on the functions of the regional and technical colleges vis-à-vis third level institutions.
That is a very poor remark.
Not by way of question and answer. It is a very complex matter and not one which can be discussed across the floor of the House arising out of Deputy Bruton's question.
The regional colleges are excellent and have my full support.
I have not suggested that they are not.