asked the Minister for Education the steps he is taking to ensure that the Board of Management of the National College of Art and Design enters into meaningful negotiations with the trade union concerned to end the strike which commenced in June this year over the dismissal of four teachers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National College of Art and Design.
35.
Mr. R. Burke
Under the terms of the National College of Art and Design Act, 1971, the board was appointed to carry out the management of the college—including the appointment of teachers and the terms of their tenure of office.
This board is an independent board under the Act.
On No. 1, I know very well that I should not ask this question, but it is very important. It is the question of the ten acres for the unfortunate young farmers in Cork.
Is the Deputy's question related to Question No. 35 on the Order Paper?
I am asking about Question No. 1.
We have long since passed Question No. 1.
Will you adjourn that until the next day?
The Deputy will have another opportunity of adverting to it.
I will raise it on the Adjournment because it is so important.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Ahern.
I ask you, Sir——
The Deputy should have been present when his question was answered. He may not raise the matter now.
I do not agree with the answer. I am asking you to allow me to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
May I ask the Minister for Education to repeat the reply to Question No. 35 which I missed?
Mr. R. Burke
Under the terms of the National College of Art and Design Act, 1971, the board was appointed to carry out the management of the college—including the appointment of teachers and the terms of their tenure of office.
This board is an independent board under the Act.
Can the Minister give the House any assurance or hope that the very unsatisfactory situation now existing in relation to this strike is likely to improve, whether any steps are taking place which are likely to lead to an improvement in the situation?
Mr. R. Burke
My information is that the board has requested a full hearing of the Labour Court and that might lead to some decision in the matter.
Has the Minister any information as to when that is likely to take place?
Mr. R. Burke
I have not got that information to hand.
Question No. 36.
May I have permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to correct a reply I gave to Deputy Colley in relation to Question No. 17? I inadvertently misled the Deputy when I said that two years was the completion time for Phibsboro. It should have been 12 months.
I was a little surprised.