asked the Minister for Education if she is prepared to give students recognition on the governing bodies of third level colleges and in particular Galway Regional Technical College.
410.
Written Answers. - Third Level Colleges.
409.
asked the Minister for Education when section 21, paragraph 40, of the Vocational Education Act will be changed to allow representatives of students on the boards of management of third level colleges.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 410 together. Students already have representation on the boards/governing bodies of higher education institutions. In so far as regional technical colleges are concerned, I have already indicated that provision should be made for student representation on the boards of management of these colleges. However, RTC boards are in law sub-committees of vocational education committees under section 21 of the Vocational Education Act, 1930. This section limits the total membership of such sub-committees to 12. Where a board of management has less than 12 members, the vocational education committee may appoint a student representative. However, as many of the boards — including that for Galway RTC — already have the maximum of 12 members, it is necessary to examine how best arrangements may be made to provide for student representation. This matter is under consideration in the context of the wider review being undertaken in line with the commitment made in paragraph 2.19 of the "Programme for Action in Education 1984-1987".