asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of disquiet being expressed by a number of students attending University College, Dublin with regard to the courses provided for the higher diploma in education; and also that a body of students have begun to organise their own programme of lectures and studies in opposition to the regular university curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - UCD Diploma Course.
15.
I have no knowledge of the matters to which the Deputy's question refers, other than what I have read in a report and corresponence in a daily newspaper.
The organisation and conduct of courses in our university institutions are the responsibility of the authorities of those institutions.
Is the Minister aware that the problem here is that the failure to provide grants for such post-graduate students makes it necessary for them to carry out teaching far beyond what is thought desirable for the purpose of their courses, involving them in teaching for the bulk of the day with the result that courses must be squeezed into part of the afternoon? Will the Minister agree that it is his responsibility to provide grants for such post-graduate courses so that the need for the extra teaching will disappear and adequate courses can then be provided?
I do not agree it would be my responsibility. The Deputy is well aware that a student who has a grant can continue to have that grant for the higher diploma course. In so far as students who are not holders of grants are concerned, they are preparing themselves for a profession and they are not any different from anyone else who is preparing himself for a profession.