asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that students at the Froebel College of Education, Dublin do not receive the same catering and social facilities as the students at other colleges of education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Froebel College of Education Facilities.
9.
This college of education is financed on a different basis to the four principal colleges. The Froebel college receives a capitation grant from my Department and derives the balance of income from student fees. The extent to which catering and social facilities are provided for students is a matter for the college authorities.
The Minister has stated exactly what is wrong. They are financed on a different basis from the other teacher training colleges. This has led to a great inequality among students attending the Froebel College of Education. Does the Minister accept that these teachers when they go into the national schools are on exactly the same level as all other primary teachers? If so, should not the financing of their institutions be on the same level? Is the Minister aware that there is quite a lot of disquiet amongst students of the Froebel college because they do not enjoy the catering advantages, particularly the provision of a full evening meal, which are enjoyed by students of the other training colleges?
It is not a matter for the Department. It is a matter for the college authorities to deal with catering and social facilities. The college was originally a private non-aided college. Since 1972 the Department have contributed towards costs by way of capitation grants which in 1983-84 amounted to £800 per student. The facilities for students are set out in a brochure issued to them before they enter the college. I cannot give any further information to the Deputy.
The provision of meals and social facilities is a matter for the college but finance for such facilities is a matter for the Department. Does the Minister not consider that the Froebel College of Education, which is providing a very necessary facet of primary education, is being treated in an unfair fashion vis-á-vis the provision of meals and social facilities for students? I wish the Minister of State to convey to the Minister the inequality of treatment accorded to the students of the Froebel college in comparison with students of other colleges of education, particularly regarding the evening meal.
I will convey the Deputy's request to the Minister but I would point out that the responsibility rests with the college authorities. That has been the case since the establishment of the school.