andMr. Mannion asked the Minister for Education the action, if any, it is proposed to take on the decision by the Higher Education Authority to have the General Agricultural Science course withdrawn from University College, Galway.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UCG Course.
14.
andMr. Mannion asked the Minister for Education the developments, if any, in relation to the proposed withdrawal of the second year agricultural science course in University College, Galway, since his reply to a parliamentary question on 22 February, if a decision has been made on the matter, if so, by whom; and if he is prepared to make funds available for the retention of the course in view of its importance to third-level education in the West of Ireland.
16.
asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the position whereby agricultural science students in Galway University who, until now attended a two years course in the University are now limited to the first year in UCG and the second year in UCD and if he would reconsider his decision in view of the expenses involved.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 15 and 16 together.
The revised curriculum in Agricultural Science provides for the inclusion of a number of specialised subjects in the second year of the course which, prior to 1975-76 were included in the third year of the course. The new second year courses are not provided for either in UCG or in UCC. Agreement has been reached with the authorities of University College, Galway, that students who register for Agricultural Science in that college will, in future, transfer to University College, Dublin on successful completion of the first year of their course.