Vol. 241 No. 10
asked the Minister for Education if he has received the resignations of three members of the Advisory Council to the National College of Art; if so, the reasons given for such resignations; if dissatisfaction was expressed by any of the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
308.
asked the Minister for Education whether any decision has been made regarding the future of the National College of Art; and when it is proposed to open it.
With your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, I propose to take questions 307 and 308 together.
The position is that recommendations in relation to the National College of Art arising out of a report of a working party were furnished to my Department. The accuracy of much of the information set out in the report was challenged by members of the staff of the college. As prima facie there appeared to be substance in the counter information furnished by the staff, a meeting was arranged between the members of the working party and representatives of the staff to discuss the issues involved. Two members of the working party refused to attend this meeting. As I did not feel that I could act on a report the basis of which was challenged I felt that I should make alternative arrangements for a re-appraisal of the work of the college and seek other advice as to the future organisation of the college.
I have sought such advice outside of the country and hope very shortly to have the whole position in the college examined by a person who has wide experience of the organisation of art courses and making the necessary provision for them in relation to accommodation and other facilities. Of the three members who resigned from the college council two were members of the working party. It is proposed to re-open the college on the 3rd November when structural alterations in the present building will have been completed.
