Vol. 248 No. 5
andMr. Fox asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the decision of the governing body of UCD to introduce a drastic cut back in the provision of Arts courses for evening students; and if, in view of the fact that such decision will have the gravest consequences for day-workers taking an Arts course, he will take such steps as are open to him to have this decision reversed.
38.
asked the Minister for Education whether he will advise the governing body of University College, Dublin, to re-examine their statement regarding night classes in view of their obligation to all the community.
39.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the considerable public concern over the decision of the governing body of University College, Dublin, to introduce a three-year cyclical system and to reduce the intake of students in evening Arts courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
40.
asked the Minister for Education why the governing body of University College, Dublin, propose to deny mature students the opportunity of availing of university education; and what justification there is for the absolute exclusion of the non-academic applicant.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 to 40 together.
The position in relation to this as to other similar matters is that the governing body of UCD under their Charter are enabled without reference to me to determine what courses they shall provide. I will, however, make the Deputies' concern in the matter known to the UCD authorities. I intend also to make my own concern in the matter known to them.
Are we to take it that in this matter the governing body of UCD were not required to submit to the Minister for Education their proposed plans in this regard?
As I explained in the reply, under their charter they are enabled to determine what courses will be provided without reference to me.
I take it that the Minister shares the Deputies' views?
Yes.
I take it also that the Minister has a certain influence with UCD and that they will heed his request?
That is quite another matter. As I said in my reply, I will make the Deputy's concern known and also my own concern.
I have no function for answering for UCD but is it not a fact that University College, Dublin, is the only university institution that has been providing continuous night classes during the past 20 years? Is that not the truth?
Is that not ample proof of the fact that they should not be discontinued? As far as my second question is concerned, I should like to ask the Minister whether he would accept that it is not socially or educationally desirable that the system of admitting mature students, of the non-academic type, should be discontinued and that we should not have entrance to the University based solely on paper qualifications? If this is an example of university autonomy, then the sooner we get rid of it the better.
Does the Minister not agree that the proposed intake of 600 once every three years will mean that the evening degree courses will only cater for one-third to one-quarter of the number for whom they are catering at present? Further, does he agree that the proposed system is for the convenience of staff at the expense of students? Could he further inform us is the problem in regard to the evening degrees mainly caused by a shortage of staff or a lack of finance?
In reply to the Deputy, I could say that one of the surest ways in which it could be ensured that these courses would be continued would be for a majority of the governing body to decide to continue them.
As one who obtained his degree at these night courses, I should like to ask the Minister if he is aware that if these courses are discontinued thousands of students will be deprived of the opportunity of securing a university degree? In view of that would the Minister not make strong representations to the governing body in this matter? Surely he has some influence with them.
How many times is it necessary for me to say that I will make the concern of the Deputies and my own concern known to the authorities in UCD?
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Burke and others voted against this and, perhaps, Deputy L'Estrange would use his influence with Deputy Burke?
A Cheann Comhairle——
Question No. 41. I am calling Question No.41.
