Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - Sligo College Canteen Facilities.

Declan Bree

Question:

70 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the catering staff in Sligo Regional Technical College receive their wages from an entity known as Regional College Catering which uses the official address and phone number of Sligo regional technical college; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the director and board of governors of the college have indicated that the catering staff are employed by an entity known as the canteen society; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the director and board of governors of Sligo Regional Technical College are not aware of the names of the directors or officers or members of the canteen society and that it would appear to be acceptable that individuals are allowed to carry out the catering operation in the college without the director and board of governors of the college being aware of their identity; if she will hold an inquiry in order to determine who and under what conditions the catering staff in the college are employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4579/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The management of the Regional Technical College, Sligo have advised me as follows:

"The Regional Technical College, Sligo has operated a canteen through a Canteen Society for a substantial number of years. Representatives of the college have had discussions with staff of the canteen on their situation and the canteen staff have been fully advised of the direction and intention of the college in regards to the running of the canteen. The college has looked at having the canteen run by a campus company within the college i.e., Ballinode Catering & Services Limited (a company limited by guarantee). Its objective is to provide various support services and facilities to the students on the campus.

At a meeting of the Governing Body of the college on 21/2/1996 detailed discussions on the canteen took place. The Governing Body agreed that the running of the canteen should be carried out by the aforementioned campus company namely Ballinode Catering & Services Limited with effect from the beginning of the 1996-97 tax year. It was also agreed that no change should take place in the existing terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the canteen."

It is clear from the above that the governing body, including the director, of the college are aware of the arrangements in relation to the provision of canteen facilities in the college.