Dáil Éireann - Volume 483 - 25 November, 1997

Written Answers. - Third Level Courses.

Mr. Allen Mr. Allen

354. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the current proposals to dismantle courses in architectural technology in third level colleges and in particular, Limerick Regional Technical College. [20724/97]

Mr. Creed Mr. Creed

380. Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the proposals to dismantle courses in architectural technology in third level colleges and in particular Limerick Regional Technical College; and if he will have arrangements made to ensure that these courses remain available to students in view of the booming construction industry and the scarcity of skilled technicians. [20306/97]

Mr. R. Bruton Mr. R. Bruton

393. Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the plan to dismantle courses in architectural technology in third level colleges, in spite of the fact that this is an area where employers are already having difficulty in recruiting trained staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20509/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin) Micheál Martin

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin): I propose to take Questions Nos. 354, 380 and 393 together.

Under the Regional Technical College Act, 1992, and the Dublin Institute of Technology Act, 1992, the question of introducing, modifying or terminating a specific course in a regional technical college or institute of technology is a matter in the first instance for the governing body of the institution concerned.

I have been informed that a letter has been circulated to public representatives which claims that there are proposals to dismantle courses in architectural technology in third level colleges and in particular in Limerick Regional Technical College. Having made inquiries in the matter, I have been assured by the colleges concerned that there are no proposals to dismantle such courses.

Dáil Éireann 483 Written Answers. Third Level Courses.

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