asked the Minister for Education when definite proposals will be published by him for the awarding of degrees at the end of the 1975-76 academic year to graduates of the NIHE in Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Awarding of Degrees.
6.
The appropriate university bodies are, at present, examining an application to the National University of Ireland from the Governing Body of the NIHE, Limerick. I am awaiting the decision of the National University of Ireland on the application, which I expect will be available at an early date.
Would the Minister not agree that the grave concern of students in their final year in the NIHE in Limerick requires action from him better than that outlined in his reply to my question? The time for generalisations is over.
The Deputy will appreciate, on reflection, that it is for another body to deliver to me their decisions in regard to matters put before them in the draft terms of reference on 19th June, 1975. I understand that these matters are progressing satisfactorily, and until I am apprised otherwise I am quite happy to accept the students will in fact, get degrees at the end of their course of studies.
Would the Minister not agree that he should now say that, if the universities refuse to confer these degrees, the National Council for Educational Awards will confer them, and would he not rethink his whole position in regard to the NCEA?
The last matter raised by the Deputy is one which is dealt with at the institution of the new NCEA today. The question of the degrees for students of the NIHE is for the NUI to decide, and it will be before me in the very near future. In the meantime, I cannot answer hypothetical questions as to what may happen.
I do not want to get heated about this matter, but these students are in their final academic year, second term; June is not very far away. I am asking the Minister would he not consider making a statement now to assure the students that they will know in the very near future what their position is in regard to the awarding of degrees? I have a motion down on this matter; it is one of considerable national importance.
I have done all it is open to me to do in this matter, and I will make any further statement necessary in good time.