I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 17 and 47 together.
The Regional Technical Colleges Act, 1992, specifies in detail the various groupings which shall have representation in the Governing Body of each College and sets out the respective roles of the Minister and the relevant Vocational Education Committees in the appointment, recommendation and nomination of the representatives of the various groups mentioned in the Act.
As the Deputy is aware:
—six ordinary members are nominated directly by the relevant Vocational Education Committees and recommended to the Minister for appointment.
—five representatives are nominated by organisations (representative of industry, commerce, agriculture, the professions and other interests as appropriate to the activities of the College) which the vocational education committee consider require representation under 6 (4) (g) of the Act and these nominations are recommended to the Minister by the Vocational Education Committees.
—one person is nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and recommended to the Minister by the Vocational Education Committee.
—in the first Governing Body, the Minister may appoint five ordinary members and these appointments have been three staff and two students in accordance with the spirit of Section 6 (4) (c), 6 (4) (d), and 6 (4) (e), of the Act.
The appointments to Sligo Regional Technical College have been made in accordance with these procedures.