asked the Minister for Education the entry requirements of the National Institute of Higher Education, Limerick.
49.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Institute of Higher Education.
48.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that applicants who achieved very high marks in the leaving certificate examination were not successful in gaining places for the current academic year in the National Institute of Higher Education, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
50.
asked the Minister for Education the educational attainment of those who were successful in gaining a place in the current academic year in the National Institute of Higher Education, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
51.
asked the Minister for Education if the entry qualifications at present applicable to the National University of Ireland are applicable to the National Institute of Higher Education, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
52.
asked the Minister for Education when he will introduce legislation giving statutory recognition to the National Institute of Higher Education, Limerick; if he will indicate the terms of reference in the matter of academic appointments, entry and qualification standards and other relevant matters applicable at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 48 to 52 together.
The position in relation to this institute is that the planning board in matters such as those referred to in the Deputy's Questions Nos. 48, 49, 50 and 51 is given the same degree of autonomy as is given to the authorities of a university. It would not, therefore, be appropriate that I should seek from the planning board the type of detailed information referred to in Questions No. 48 and 50. No doubt the board will be pleased to supply the Deputy with information in regard to entry and other requirements.
As regards Question No. 52 the form of the legislation under which the Limerick Institute of Higher Education will be established on a statutory basis is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to give details as to the nature and content of the legislation.
At present appointments are made by selection board procedure following public advertisement. Qualifications at a high academic level are laid down for various posts.
Is the Minister aware that the entry requirements for this institute were not applied equally and democratically to all the candidates who expressed a desire to study in the institute? Is he aware that in the interests of democracy and fair play each and every candidate should feel that he has as fair a chance as the next candidate of gaining entry to that institute? This was not so and I would like to know what steps the Minister will take to ensure that a fair system is evolved? Would he inform me when legislation will be introduced giving statutory recognition to the institute?
I am not aware of what the Deputy said. I have pointed out that this planning board has the same degree of autonomy as the authority of a university and I do not propose to interfere with that any more than I would be entitled to interfere in relation to the standards laid down by a university in regard to entrance to it. As I pointed out in my reply, the form of legislation under which the Limerick Institute of Higher Education will be established on a statutory basis is under consideration but I am not at the moment in a position to give any details.
Would the Minister take steps to get the institute to publish the entry requirements and a code of practice in relation to those requirements?
I am sure if the Deputy were to inquire from the institute concerned as to what their entry requirements are they would be glad to give them to him.
Question No. 53.
I think Members of this House are entitled to be assured that there is fair play in relation to entry to an institute of higher education.
The Deputy makes an assertion but I have no evidence as to the correctness of it.
The Minister can find out if he wishes.