Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 4

Written Answers. - Course Application.

Declan Bree

Ceist:

364 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) was informed in writing on 31 May 1996 by the national co-ordinator of the training of trainers scheme that he has been accepted to participate in the BSc in Technology course and as result did not seek to participate in any alternative course; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there was no change in the conditions of the scheme on 2 September 1996, one week before the course was to commence and that the applicant received a letter from the national co-ordinator stating that his application and subsequent approval of exemptions had been withdrawn; if she will hold an inquiry and take the necessary action against those responsible for the débâcle; and the proposals, if any, she has to make good the commitment and provide a course for the applicant. [1411/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

A programme for a BSc in Technology was developed in 1995 and approved by the National Council for Educational Awards and by my Department early in 1996. The general aim of the programme is to provide a primary degree for lecturers who possess non-degree qualifications. The programme is aimed at academic staff who are engaged on teaching courses primarily at craft level and who wish to expand their capabilities for teaching third level courses in technology related areas. The programme is funded by my Department and the European Social Fund under the training of trainers measure of the Operational Programme for Human Resources Development.

The programme has been developed specifically for lecturers in the extra-university sector; it is not available to other categories of staff in the sector.

I have had inquiries made in the matter and I am informed that the applicant in question is in permanent employment in a college in a capacity other than lecturer and he is accordingly not eligible to participate in the BSc in Technology.

It is understood that the application was accepted in error initially, on the misunderstanding that the applicant fulfilled the criteria for participation in the programme.