asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the objectives and the scope of the projected curriculum of the European University Institute in Florence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European University Institute.
81.
Mr. R. Burke
The objectives and scope of the curriculum of the proposed European University Institute in Florence are set out in a document prepared by the Preparatory Committee, a copy of which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the document:
A European University Institute to be established in Florence.
The nine member states of the European Communities have decided to establish a European University Institute in Florence for postgraduate study and research. Its work will be carried out in the following four departments: History and Civilisation, Economics, Law, Political and Social Sciences.
The European problems covered by the Institute's work will be dealt with on the broadest possible scale, both in their European context and in connection with Europe's past and present links with other parts of the world. The problems of European integration, a major development of our times, will also be the subject of research.
The work of the Institute will further the development of the cultural and scientific heritage of Europe, considered as a whole and in its various aspects. It will help to train men, who, working in a European spirit, are capable of promoting mutual understanding within Europe and of maintaining Europe's open attitude towards the rest of the world.
The Institute will be open to research staff who have completed their initial university education. Admission to the Institute will be subject to decision by a selection board consisting of members of the teaching profession. Certain candidates may be awarded grants by the Contracting States and possibly by the Institute.
The Institute will have the power to confer a Doctorate of the European University Institute on research students who have completed at least two years' study and research in the Institute, and submitted original research work of a high standard which has been approved by the Institute and is to be published. It will also have the power to award attendance certificates to research staff.
The Academic Council, to consist of representatives of the teaching profession, will establish the study and research programmes to be carried out individually or jointly by the departments. This programme will define and co-ordinate the study and research topics or projects as far as is necessary, and ensure freedom of research and teaching.
While respecting the independence of each department, the Institute will ensure that a considerable amount of interdisciplinary research is carried out. It will encourage contacts and co-operation between departments and organise seminars and research teams, composed of teachers and researchers with differing and complementary specialities and training.
Work at the Institute will be done through research teams and in seminars. Teamwork will be encouraged, and at the same time each research worker will be enabled to pursue work which will enable him, if he so wishes, to obtain the Institute's doctorate.
The Institute will provide a forum for the exchange and comparison of ideas and experience in the fields covered by the four departments. It will co-operate with the various national or international teaching and research bodies and have the power to conclude agreements with States and international agencies.
The Institute will have its own library and documentation centre with the most modern equipment. It will have access to the valuable collections in the libraries and archives of Florence.
The authorities of the Institute will be: the Principal, assisted by a Secretary-General, the High Council composed of Government Representatives, and the Academic Council, composed of representatives of the teaching profession.
The teaching staff will consist of heads of department, full-time teachers, part-time teachers and assistant teachers. Teaching staff will be on fixed-term renewable contracts (1 to 3 years). Salaries will not be liable to national tax although they will be subject tothe Institute's own tax. With regard to the social security scheme, teaching staff will be given certain options, if they so wish and the necessary arrangements can be made, including that of continuing under the scheme to which they were affiliated before coming to Florence, in order to ensure continuity in accumulated rights, particularly as regards pensions.
At the beginning there will be from 10 to 20 teachers, and 50 to 80 researchers. In a few years' time this latter figure may rise to between 400 and 500, with the teaching staff increasing accordingly.
The Italian Republic has undertaken to provide a site for the Institute in Florence, free of charge, and also the buildings and the furniture and teaching equipment initially required to enable the institute to function, and to be responsible for their maintenance.
Initially the Institute will be based in the Badia Fiesolana at Fiesole/ Florence. Present plans are that it should start work in October 1974. It is later expected to be transferred to buildings to be erected, also at the Italian Republic's expense at the Villa Tolomei site.