Vol. 484 No. 2
6 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concern of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland at current proposals to dismantle courses in architectural technology in third level colleges and in particular Limerick Regional Technical College; the action, if any, he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21702/97]
Under the Regional Technical College Act, 1992, and the Dublin Institute of Technology Act, 1992, it is a function of a college or institute to provide such courses of study as its governing body considers appropriate, subject to the annual programme and budget approval process laid down in the Acts. The question of introducing, modifying or terminating a specific course in a regional technical college or institute of technology arises in the context of academic planning and review in higher education institutions. Any proposals for change or new developments are submitted through the academic council to the governing body of the institution concerned.
I have been informed that a letter has been circulated recently by the RIAI which claims there are proposals to dismantle courses in architectural technology in third level colleges and, in particular, in Limerick Regional Technical College. However, my Department has discussed the matter with the management of the colleges concerned and has been assured there are no such proposals before the colleges' academic councils or governing bodies. I have a body of correspondence from the colleges to the Royal Institute of Architects. The Deputy may be aware how this emerged. Apparently, a letter was circulated and the college authorities have denied there was merit in it so it will not happen.
If such proposals emerged in the future, will the Minister give a categorical assurance that all interested parties will be consulted?
They should be consulted but I do not run the regional technical colleges. The Act gives autonomy to the governing body. We would be extremely concerned if such courses were cancelled without consultation with the partners. Obviously, we interact with the colleges on these courses which are important in terms of the need for skills in this sector of the economy. I was alarmed when I saw the question, but I began to relax when I read the correspondence. The colleges were concerned that the good relationship which existed between them and the RIAI would be harmed by the correspondence circulated. They assured my officials and me that all parties would be consulted.
