asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total amount of moneys paid from the Exchequer to U.C.D. by way of grants, subsidies or subventions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants to University College, Dublin.
The total amount paid since 31st March, 1922, is just over £3,000,000.
asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the failure and refusal of the academic council of U.C.D. to make available in the Irish language examination papers in respect of scholarships tenable at U.C.D., referred to in his question on the 17th November, addressed to the Minister for Education, he proposes to take any steps to withdraw from U.C.D. any grants, subsidies or subventions payable to that body from the Exchequer.
This is not a matter in which I consider it would be proper for me to intervene, particularly on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that by the continued payment of the £3,000,000 referred to to University College, Dublin, the Government is subsidising the flouting of Government policy since University College is working against Government policy in so far as the revival of Irish is concerned and, in particular, the policy of the Government with regard to teaching through Irish in secondary schools? Is he aware that almost 25 per cent. of secondary school students are penalised by this subsidised body? Does he consider it satisfactory that that policy should be pursued by this subsidised autonomous body, University College, since it is calculated to obstruct the ultimate revival of the Irish language? Does the Minister consider that a satisfactory state of affairs?
It is not true to say that University College gets £3,000,000 for flouting Government policy. I would suggest to the Deputy that, in respect of such an autonomous body, there is a better method of approach than threats.
Is it not a fact that £3,000,000 is being paid to this semiautonomous body?
It has been given over 28 years.
Is it not also a fact that the attitude taken up by this body is one calculated to obstruct the revival of Irish?
The body is a wholly autonomous one and that is the reason why I replied to the Deputy as I did.
Would the Minister not suggest that Deputy Lehane should do his shadow boxing in Irish?
May I say that it is not proper to intervene in a matter of this kind by way of threat when there are other matters over——
Question No. 26.
I give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.