asked the Minister for Education the plans she has to enable student representatives to participate fully on the governing bodies of third level institutions.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Student Representation on Governing Bodies.
7.
There is already student representation on the governing bodies of the constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland, of the National Institutes for Higher Education and of the National College of Art and Design.
In paragraph 2.19 of the Programme for Action in Education 1984-1987 I have indicated that it is my aim to have student representation on all governing bodies. This matter will be pursued in discussions with the relevant authorities on the implementation of the proposals in the Programme for Action.
In this connection it is proposed, in relation to the regional technical colleges, that the question of the arrangements for student representation on the boards of management will be examined in the context of the proposal to amend the Vocational Education Act, 1930. This proposal is referred to in paragraph 2.19 of the programme.
It is all "going to be" reviewed and amended but the point of putting down the question was to find out when these things are to happen. We were treated to a lovely document and a long debate on it here and on radio and television but no time limit was set on anything. When can the students of the RTCs be expected to achieve full status on management boards of these colleges? I want more than just a pious hope; I want an expressed reality.
The Deputy will accept that the programme recently introduced is fairly wide ranging and embodies a number of suggestions such as the setting up of committees and the review of the whole educational system. I refer the Deputy to the assurance in the reply that it is the intention of the Minister to have student representation on all those bodies. I do not want to set out any blueprint at this stage but the Minister is quite willing to accede to the Deputy's request. It would be difficult to give specific dates or times for the putting into effect of specific recommendations.