asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of a series of motions concerning the National College of Art and Design passed by the Workers' Union of Ireland, NCAD Section, on 28 November 1977; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National College of Art and Design.
1.
The series of motions referred to by the Deputy were brought to my attention by the Workers' Union of Ireland. The matters referred to therein related to the internal administration of the college. I have conveyed the motions to Bord an Choláiste Ealáine agus Deartha, which was given responsibility under the provisions of the National College of Art and Design Act, 1971 for the management of the college and the organisation and administration of its affairs.
Has the Minister received any reply from the board? If not, does he intend to take further action in view of the serious unrest which is apparent and which was expressed in the submission of the WUI to the Minister?
I would regret any unrest in the college, for which I have great hopes for an integrated system of art education. The board, who have the responsibility under the 1971 Act, met delegates of the WUI on 2 February 1978 and agreed to set up a joint group to study the facts and the background to the allegations. It is understood that this group is to meet later this month.
Does the Minister not feel that something is amiss?
I am calling the next question. Question No. 2.
Does the Minister intend to take an active interest in the unpleasant situation which is developing?
I can assure the Deputy that I am taking an active interest. I know my obligations in the matter and I also know those of the board.
2.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on a memorandum sent to him by a former member (name supplied) of the NCAD who resigned from the college staff.
It would not be in accordance with established procedure for me to furnish observations in the particular circumstances on a memorandum received by me from an individual acting in his private capacity.
In view of the memorandum he has received, would the Minister agree that the allegations made are of a serious nature and that there is evidence of some malpractice within the college? Is the Minister aware in relation to appointments within the college that great concern has been expressed regarding certain appointments at a very high level?
I should like to point out that the responsibilities of the board are defined by law under the 1971 Act and that this submission is from an individual in reference to the activities of the board. The board must deal with individuals and staff and the Minister does not come in there.
Are we not agreed that, when malpractices are brought to his attention, the Minister has responsibility in relation to the board and in relation to good education generally and the students who are attending the college? Is the Minister not further aware——
This is a separate question. Question No. 3.
——that in view of the allegations made——
The Deputy will resume his seat. I want to point out to the Deputy that he will not ask questions in defiance of the Chair.
That was only my second supplementary.
3.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that two staff members of the NCAD have registered a private business at the address of the NCAD; and if permission was given for such a practice which apparently has the use of college facilities and staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I should explain that responsibility under the provisions of the National College of Art and Design Act, 1971, for the management of the college and the organisation and administration of its affairs was given to Bord an Choláiste Ealaíne agus Deartha. Matters relating to the day-to-day administration of the college do not require the sanction of the Minister for Education.
I propose, however, to communicate with the board of the college to ascertain the precise facts in relation to the subject matter of the question from the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that I have submitted details of the business which was registered under the Business Names Act? Is he further aware that college facilities and staff have been mentioned on the letter-heading and that, in relation to members of the staff of the NCAD, permission must be granted by him and further sanctioned by the Minister for Finance in relation to any private business or practice undertaken by a member of staff? In view of that and in view of the fact that he has not sanctioned and is not aware of such a practice in the college, that practice is de facto an unsanctioned practice? Is the Minister further aware that this private business is using State funds and State facilities? Would the Minister comment on this?
Question No. 4.
This is a matter of importance.
The Deputy should not use the subterfuge of asking eight questions at the one time. I will not tolerate that subterfuge. The Minister may reply if he wishes.
Will the Minister have the decency to reply?
I am trying to be decent but it is difficult in the circumstances. I have told the Deputy that I am in communication with the board to assess the precise facts. Alleged facts are not always facts. This House is an especially privileged place. I can assure the Deputy and the House that if there is any irregularity in any area for which I have responsibility that irregularity will cease immediately.
On a point of order, in view of the unfortunate contents of the reply which the Minister has given to Question No. 3, I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment and I should like to advise the Minister that I shall continue to raise the matter until such time as he meets me on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
I should like to tell the Deputy, through the Chair, that no amount of intimidation will have any effect.
The Minister is quite well aware of the situation and it has been acknowledged by the director of the college himself.
4.
asked the Minister for Education if, in relation to the recent three storey extension to the National College of Art and Design which now houses the faculty of design and other offices, he will state (1) if planning permission was sought and granted; (2) if tenders were sought; (3) if moneys were specifically provided by him for the extension; (4) if overexpenditure was incurred and, if so, the extent and (5) if the Office of Public Works passed the extension as being up to their requirements and standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In relation to (1) and (2) of the Deputy's question, I am informed by the authorities of the National College of Art and Design that planning permission was sought and obtained and that tenders were sought in respect of the extension of the college. In fact, this is history. We will soon be back at the battle of Clontarf.
In regard to (3) and (4), I desire to state that a sum of £20,000 approximately was specifically authorised in October 1976 for payment out of the grant-in-aid to the college for 1976. A balance of £11,900 approximately was met by the college authorities by way of savings within the general financial provision available to them.
The building was inspected and passed by an architect from the building unit of my Department.
5.
asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the increase of adult education extra-mural course fees in the National College of Art and Design in the academic years 1976-77 and 1977-78; the fall in numbers attending such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is the policy of the authorities of the National College of Art and Design that extra-mural courses should be self-supporting. An Bord increased the fees for this purpose for 1976-77 and 1977-78. Though there has been a fall in enrolments as compared to 1976-77, the number enrolled in the present academic year 1977-78—over 600—is approximately the same as in the academic year 1974-75. I may add that as a designated institution the college receives its finances through the Higher Education Authority and that it has discretion in relation to the purposes for which it allocates its financial resources.
In relation to the emphasis being put on second-chance education, does the Minister agree that adult education and extra-mural courses in the college should be self-financing in view of the obvious benefits to society? Further, is the Minister aware that there has been a substantial falling-off in the courses this year as compared with last year and that they are not achieving the purpose for which they were established?
I agree that second-chance education—being a second-chancer myself—is very important. I have said that the National College of Art and Design is a designated institution as of now and, consequently, the board have the authority and power to deploy their resources in any way they wish. They may do so to reduce the fees for evening students if they so wish.
May we take it that the Minister's attitude in relation to adult education courses in the college in so far as they should be self-financing is a reflection of his view in relation to all adult education?
I would remind the Deputy that the person who decided that these courses should be self-financing was a Minister of his Government. The decision was not taken by me. I am telling him now that as a designated institution the National College of Art and Design can so deploy their finances that there is an easement for evening students. I will not have any reflection on my policy in that regard.
I asked the Minister if he was carrying on that policy. Obviously the answer is yes.
I will make provision for the National College of Art and Design through the Higher Education Authority and they may use the funds in easement of those students. It is my desire to make as much money available to the National College of Art and Design as is possible in order to help it in its very important national mission. I do not think the Deputy is doing very much to help.
6.
asked the Minister for Education if he is satisfied with the method of appointing staff in the National College of Art and Design; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The method of appointing staff to the National College of Art and Design is governed by section 17 of the National College of Art and Design Act, 1971. I am in correspondence with An Bord in connection with this matter.
Will the Minister say if the director was an applicant when he was appointed?
I am afraid I have not that information. If the Deputy puts down a question——
That is a separate matter.