I propose to take Questions Nos. 522, 524 to 526, inclusive, 528, 530, 532 to 535, inclusive, 550, 555, 558 and 565 together.
The Governing Body of each Institute of Technology consists of a Chairperson, 17 ordinary members (18 in the case of DIT) and the Director/President. The Chairperson is appointed by the Minister. The Director/President is ex officio a member of the Governing Body. Ordinary members are appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the Vocational Education Committee in accordance with the following provisions:
1. Six members will be nominated by the VEC of which at least three will be from a local authority. If the region served by the Institute includes part of an area that is the functional area of another VEC the Minister may allow up to four of the nominations be made by these neighbouring VEC's.
2. Two members of the academic staff of the Institute (one male and one female)
3. One non-academic member of staff of the Institute
4. Two students of the Institute (one male and one female)
5. One nominee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
6. Five people nominated by the VEC from businesses and organisations, chosen by the Academic Council of the Institute, that reflect the courses and activities of the Institute.In the case of DIT there is also a nominee of the University of Dublin (Trinity College)