Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The regulations governing certificate and diploma courses in the institutes of technology state that all EU nationals who fulfil the relevant criteria are eligible for admission to the courses, and to have their tuition fees paid by my Department. Equally, non-EU nationals, who have been granted official refugee status, or have been granted humanitarian leave to remain in the State, are also eligible for admission to the courses and to have their tuition fees paid.

The conditions set out in the regulations apply equally to all EU nationals in accordance with a judgment of the European Court of Justice that access to vocational training must apply equally to all EU nationals.

The extension of the terms of the regulations, as regards free tuition, to include non-EU nationals, will be kept under review.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1264 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the situation in relation to the criminological studies postgraduate course in the Dublin Institute of Technology, Rathmines, Dublin 6, where neither the course, nor criminological research, have been subsidised while UCD has spent £2 million on a new department of criminology; the reason 19 applicants asto the course for the year 2000-01 were denied entry; the manner of treatment of first year students without recourse to the Director of Criminological Studies; and his views on the anomalous position where gardaí, prison officers and other mature students are not admitted to the criminology course. [2101/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The Dublin Institute of Technology is a statutory body established under the Dublin Institute of Technology Act, 1992. Under that Act, the governance and day to day activities of the institute are matters for which the governing body and the management staff of the institute are responsible.

In view of this, I have referred the Deputy's question to the management authorities of the Dublin Institute of Technology for direct response to the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1265 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which there can be a Director of Social Science in the Dublin Institute of Technology when no such faculty or department exists. [2102/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I understand from the Dublin Institute of Technology that there is no post of Director of Social Science in the institute. I am informed that there is a post of Head of School of Social Science and Legal Studies, a position which I understand was created in the context of faculty structures which are currently being implemented.