asked the Minister for Education the reasons for not allowing the rural science degree course to commence in Thomond College, Limerick; the reasons for the delay in providing the necessary equipment at the college; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rural Science Degree.
348.
Arrangements were made for the recruitment of students to the Crawford Municipal Technical Institute, Cork for the special training course in general and rural science to begin in autumn 1978 on the assumption that the Thomond College premises would not be ready to receive such students until 1979. It was not anticipated that the building of the premises would be completed until November 1978 and that some further months would elapse before it was satisfactorily equipped and furnished.
The arrangements for furnishing and equipping the premises were related to the circumstances of the date of completion of the building work and the date on which students would be admitted to the college. These arrangements are proceeding.