asked the Minister for Education if he will consider Sligo as a suitable location for a new University College.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo as University Centre.
23.
As such matters as that raised in the Deputy's question are at present under consideration by the Commission on Higher Education set up by me for the purpose, it would not be appropriate for me to make any statement on the point concerned.
If it be inappropriate for him, the Minister for Education, to make any official declaration in a matter of this character, could he tell the House how it is appropriate for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance, speaking on behalf of the Government, to make a very express declaration on precisely the same topic?
I understand the Parliamentary Secretary made a statement of personal opinion and belief and made it quite clear to his audience that he was not speaking in an official capacity.
Would I be correct in saying the Parliamentary Secretary was engaged in an operation not unknown to members of his Party— pre-general election bluff?
The full report in one paper made it quite clear that the Parliamentary Secretary said: "I am speaking as a Deputy for this area and in my private capacity I give this opinion."
A sort of Jekyll and Hyde.
Would the Minister bear in mind in the siting of university colleges that McGee College, Derry, has applied for university status and has the unanimous support of Donegal County Council in its application?
The Deputy knows that is a separate question.
I still think there will be a university in Limerick.
This, I take it, is Jekyll speaking; Hyde is heard elsewhere.