The National College of Art in Dublin reopens following a long period of closure caused by student unrest.
Students from the National College of Art occupied part of the college building on Kildare Street. The occupation came after a long period of student agitation which culminated in the dismissal of Alice Hanratty and Paul Funge, two part-time lecturers at the National College of Art.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is to meet with the Department of Education in a bid to have Alice Hanratty, and Paul Funge reinstated.
Due to the student unrest, the National College of Art was closed by the Minister for Education Pádraig Faulkner from 26 October 1971. Six weeks later the decision to reopen the college is taken in response to a large volume of students requesting the recommencement of classes.
Most of the 120 day students were back today.
The returning students have their credentials checked by attendants who ensure current student card holders only are admitted.
The National College of Art is controlled by the Department of Education but a new board is being set up to run it. The board will have complete autonomy to run the college with funds supplied by the Minister for Education. The 11 person board will include two students and two teachers, however some students fear the board will give the Department of Education even tighter control than at present.
The National College of Art became the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) under an Act established by the Oireachtas, managed by a board appointed by the Minister for Education. This Act was signed into law by President Éamon de Valera on 1 December 1971.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 December 1971.
