Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1227: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason University College Dublin decided to stop running a third level course for students (details supplied). [28253/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that the universities are autonomous institutions and my Department does not have any function in their day to day operational affairs. The universities receive a block grant from the Higher Education Authority and it is a matter for each institution to determine how it is allocated internally.

It is understood in 2004 University College Dublin commenced offering a one-year, part-time Certificate in Citizenship and Advocacy for approximately 40 students with an intellectual disability.

In July of this year it was reported that a decision had been taken by UCD to not proceed with this course for the academic year commencing September, 2006.

It is understood that the college is currently examining if it is possible to recommence the course. The outcome of this review should be known within the next couple of months.