asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the serious unrest felt by the staffs of regional technical colleges concerning the management structures in these colleges; and the steps he intends to take to rectify the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Management of Regional Technical Colleges.
19.
The management structure of the regional technical colleges is currently under study in my Department in consultation with the appropriate interested parties, but I am not aware of "serious unrest", as the Deputy puts it, in relation to the operation of the existing structure.
I am aware that the Minister is a busy man but I have some knowledge of regional colleges and I am aware that there is serious unrest. This has been expressed by heads of Departments, senior lecturers and class 3 lecturers who are concerned about the structures of management and promotion in those colleges. I understand that submissions are being made, but I would not like the Minister to put this matter on the long finger. Will the Minister say when he will be in a position to make a final statement on the new structures?
The Deputy mentioned two things in his supplementary, management and staffing structures. They are two quite different things. The Deputy's question is about management. If the Deputy lets me know what specifically is worrying him about the management structure I will be only too pleased to tell him now. He has not asked about staffing structures in this question and if he wishes to put down a question on the matter I shall answer it.
I am sorry the Minister is under a misapprehension. The intention was to find out the Minister's position in relation to the proper structure of internal management in the regional colleges. By that I mean the management under the principal, the heads of the Department, the position of the senior lecturers——
That is staffing.
It is internal management structure, quite different from overall management policy. My question was quite clear. The Minister is well aware of the unrest.
I was asked to talk about serious unrest felt by the staff with regard to the management structure in the colleges and I answered the question with regard to the management structure. If the Deputy wishes to repeat the question about the staffing structure I will be pleased to answer it.
I have no wish to play around with regard to this matter. I asked the Minister a question about a matter of which he is well aware because his officials are in negotiation. I have no intention of helping the Minister by putting down such specific questions that would make Question Time in this House quite ridiculous.
I should prefer if the Deputy kept the heat out of it so that we could throw more light on it. As I said, the management structures are under review in consultation with the Irish Vocational Education Association. At the moment those consultations are taking place. I do not have a reply with regard to staffing because I was not asked the question.
The Minister wants to evade the question.
I do not want to evade it if the Deputy wants to put down a question.
I do not think I have to push it too far.
The Minister is much more reticent today than he was yesterday.
Question No. 20 is for written answer, I am calling Question No. 21.