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17th February 2003
Ó Snodaigh calls on VEC to reject DIT cuts in music and drama teaching
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Culture Aengus O Snodaigh TD has expressed his concern at the decision of the Dublin Institute of Technology to increase fees for part-time students of music and drama and their attempts to reduce the number of part-time places available. Deputy O Snodiagh has called on the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committe not to reject the DIT budget and instruct the Institute to reverse their ``retrograde step in relation to the teaching of music and drama in Dublin''. He said:
``We welcome the decision of the TUI not to cooperate with measures being taken (reexamination and reauditioning of students in the case of drama and music) to facilitate the reduction of student numbers to its lowest in the institute's history. In 1995 the part-time student numbers were 2,600 and are now at 1,400 with plans to reduce this down to 800. Even those who qualify by virtue of passing exams and having a good course record are not being guaranteed a place on the following year's course under the new directive. Fees for full-time students are increasing by 10%, while part-time fees are being increased by 25%. Already fees in Dublin are higher than those in Cork's School of Music.''
The Dublin South Central TD went on to say: ``This is contrary to the Partnership agreements which sought to encourage part-time study. The effect of the increases and the limiting of part-time course places will be to make music inaccessible unless through private tuition. I would appeal to the members of the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee to reject the budget submitted by the DIT board when it comes before them on February 20 with the instruction to reverse their retrograde step in relation to the teaching of music and drama in Dublin.'' ENDS
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