I propose to take Questions Nos. 533 and 547 together.
Correspondence has been received from representatives of the Waterford Institute of Technology Students Union regarding the use of a WIT student/debit card and other issues associated with the development committee in the Waterford Institute of Technology. At my request, officials of my Department met recently with a delegation representing the Students Union and the concerns raised by the delegation were noted.
Under the terms of the Regional Technical Colleges Acts, 1992-99, the control and management of the day-to-day operational affairs of an institute of technology are matters for the director and governing body of the institute. The issues raised by the Students Union will be taken up by my Department with the management of the institute. When the response of the institute's management is received the matter will be considered fully.