asked the Minister for Education the number of temporary teachers employed in the computer classes in the regional technical college in Dundalk, County Louth, for the year 1986-87; if these teachers are being retained for the year 1987-88; if not, if it is proposed to advertise for replacements; if so, the number; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

There were seven teachers employed on a temporary wholetime basis in the computing area in Dundalk RTC in 1986-87.

The temporary wholetime contract is for one year only and if the post is required thereafter it must be readvertised. Therefore, teachers on temporary contracts at present cannot be automatically retained for the 1987-88 academic year.

The question of the number of and advertising for replacements is a matter for the college authorities having regard to the staffing needs of the college and the overall provisions for expenditure on pay.

The staffing of this college is a matter of concern to a number of my constituents. Is the Minister satisfied that only seven temporary teachers were appointed as my information is that 11 were appointed? I fear that these teachers may not be replaced and I ask the Minister to take steps to ensure that the college in Dundalk will be adequately funded to recruit the required number of teachers this year?

The Deputy said that 11 teachers were appointed but I have no reason to doubt the official answer which has been provided for me by the Department which said that seven teachers were employed on a temporary, wholetime basis in the computing area in Dundalk RTC in 1986-87. In relation to the second part of the Deputy's question, I will certainly review the matter of Dundalk RTC and I will be glad to report to him at a later stage when investigations are completed.

I am obliged to the Minister for her reply. She stated that seven teachers were employed on a temporary full time basis——

On a whole time basis.

It means the same thing to me. Were any employed on a part time basis?

I do not like to correct the Deputy but there is a difference between temporary whole time and temporary full time; seven teachers were employed on a temporary, whole time basis in the computing area in Dundalk RTC in the year 1986-87. That statistic was supplied by my Department and I have no reason to question it.

For the purpose of clarification, does whole time mean for a full week? Were any teachers employed for less than a full week in addition to the seven to whom the Minister referred?

Is the Deputy referring to the computing area?

Yes.

I do not have that information at present but I will send it to the Deputy.

Will the Minister ensure that this expanding and important regional college which serves four counties in the north east will be adequately staffed? Will she also ensure that the necessary funds will be made available for this purpose? Does she accept that this is necessary for potential industrial development in the Border region?

I accept that all the regional colleges are very important and I know that Deputy McGahon naturally is interested in the college in Dundalk. Regional colleges have much more potential for interaction with the industrial needs of their area. I take particular interest in regional colleges and, as I explained to Deputy Fitzpatrick, I will be investigating further and will report back to Deputies.

I appreciate that this applies to the Dundalk college. Of course all the RTCs, including those in Dublin, have been told to cut their pay allocations by 4 per cent by the end of 1988. Can the Minister say how many staff will be lost as a result of that cut?

This question is confined to the regional college in Dundalk.

I can tell you it arises in all the RTCs.

Further questions must be tabled in respect of any other RTCs.