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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 Nov 1977

Vol. 301 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Colleges of Education.

7.

asked the Minister for Education if he proposes to designate the colleges of education under the HEA; and, if so, when.

This is a matter to which I propose to give consideration in consultation with the colleges and the Higher Education Authority before coming to a decision.

Can the Minister assure the House that he is in favour of this decision to designate, which was taken by the previous administration?

It was taken by the previous administration and announced on 16th December, 1974. The previous administration went out of office in 1977 and with that degree of urgency I should not disappoint the Deputy in coming to a decision.

Is the Minister aware that a lot of work has been done in this field and that there may not be much reason for further consultation, rather some decisions, if he is in such a haste for change?

I should like the Deputy to let me know what work has been done in this regard. An announcement was made but I am not aware of the work the Deputy has referred to.

8.

asked the Minister for Education the amount of capital expenditure by his Department on each of the colleges of education from 1970 to the latest date for which figures are available.

The amounts are as follows: (1) St. Patrick's College, Dublin, £322,127; (2) Carysfort College, Dublin, £1,014,347; (3) Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, £312,016; (4) Church of Ireland College, £102,419; (5) St. Mary's College, Marino, Dublin, £7,256; (6) The Thomand College of Education, Limerick (including the former College of Physical Education), £1,589,829; (7) St. Angela's College, Lough Gill, Sligo, £290,450.

Would the Minister not agree that those figures might suggest to him the value of reconsidering his statement made in relation to an earlier question, that there is no urgency about the question of designation of these institutions?

As the Deputy is aware, the question of designation is one of allotting the responsibility for the assessment of expenditure to the Higher Education Authority. I do not think that has anything to do with capital expenditure on the colleges.

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