asked the Minister for Education whether in view of the statement that the National College of Art as at present constituted cannot be the starting point for the education of people in different crafts, or indeed for the education of painters, sculptors or designers, he proposes to make changes in the staff and in the administration and training methods hitherto used at the College.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National College of Art.
117.
Before the visit of the Scandinavian group who prepared the Report to which the Deputy refers, I have been having investigation made as to what re-organisation of the College might be necessary, particularly in the section concerned with design, so that the College might be in a position to play the fullest part possible in meeting future requirements.
As one of the steps towards this end I have in fact appointed a visiting Professor of Design, of high standing, from the U.S.A. before the issue of the Report in question. It is the intention that this expert will serve in the College for a year and will then furnish his views and recommendations on the College requirements in the matter of design teaching. I would prefer to await this report rather than take precipitate action on view resulting from what was necessarily a very brief visit to the College.
It is also to be borne in mind that the Scandinavian Report itself recommends, not the consideration of the College of Art in isolation, but as part of a complex re-organisation.
Surely the condemnation of this College takes a very much wider scope than the question of design and, in fact, suggests the College is not competent to turn out sculptors, painters or designers—the three functions for which it is designed and paid to perform.
The Deputy is not asking a question.
Surely the Minister should carry out a very widespread investigation into the organisation and teaching methods of the College? They are taking money under false pretences. Could I have a reply to that question?
The Deputy did not ask a Supplementary Question, as far as I heard.
May I ask the Minister to establish a committee or commission to investigate the charges made by this reputable body into the teaching and administration and methods used in the National College of Art for which funds are voted by the Dáil, funds which at the moment are clearly being misappropriated and misspent?
I think that is a harsh judgement based on a comment made about the College. As I said, I am having a thorough investigation made into what reorganisation of the College will be required. That investigation is taking place but I do not think the comment in the report warrants the sweeping allegations the Deputy has made.
May I ask the Minister to bear in mind, if he is carrying out an investigation, that the Department of Education officials, on the one hand, have allowed this situation to arise——
The Deputy is making a statement, not asking a question.
——and secondly, the College of Art have a vested interest in whitewashing the position? Could I ask the Minister to see that outsiders are brought on to any such committee to investigate the very wide-flung charges made, not by me, but by a reputable Swedish body brought in by the Minister's colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce?
The report should be the occasion of doing what is my obvious duty, to provide for adequate education in that field rather than looking for a scapegoat. I think it is most unfair to make these allegations——
Rubbish! The College is giving degrees, taking money under false pretences, spending the ratepayers' money in a wrong way.