Vol. 268 No. 9
asked the Minister for Education if, having regard to the importance of food science to the economy of the country and the need for improved facilities to attain a proper standard in this field, he will take steps to implement that portion of the building construction programme specially designed for food science at University College, Cork which has already been agreed to by the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
51.
asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the Programme Director of the Kellogg Foundation to the effect that unless the building construction programme for food science at University College, Cork, already sanctioned, is undertaken without further delay, his organisation's support, which is valued at half a million dollars approximately and which is crucial to the project, may be withdrawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
The provision of improved facilities for the faculty of dairy and food science at University College, Cork, has already been approved in principle.
Consideration of the proposals to give effect to the decision is being pursued with all possible speed by the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and my Department.
Final agreement on space allocations and costs has not yet been reached in relation to any part of the project, but consultations are proceeding with the authorities of UCC with a view to the resolution of difficulties encountered in these respects.
I have seen the reported statement by the programme director of the Kellogg Foundation to which the Deputy refers. I have no information as to the intentions of the foundation in the matter, but, as I have indicated, the provision of the new facilities will be pressed forward as quickly as possible.
Is the Minister aware that it has been reported in today's newspapers that the dairy science students are striking in UCC today and not attending classes? Would the Minister say whether their action is justified against UCC or the Higher Education Authority whose premises they are also picketing?
I would not like to enter into discussion as to the body against whom their actions are directed. I should just add that it will not advance a solution of these problems in any way to be carrying out this kind of action. I can assure the Leader of the Opposition that we are not causing any unnecessary delay in resolving these problems.
