asked the Minister for Justice the date which he estimates for the fusion of (a) the two branches of the legal profession and (b) the education and training of law students including practical experience in solicitors' offices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Legal Profession.
36.
Amalgamation of the two branches of the legal profession and the education and training of law students are matters of considerable importance in the economic and social life of the community, in particular having regard to our application for membership of the European Economic Community. It was for these reasons that I decided to discuss the subject publicly on 8th November, at Galway.
The question of legal education, with which the unification of the two branches of the legal profession is closely allied, has already been submitted to the Higher Education Authority; and I am in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Education, to see if the authority could begin examination of the matter at an early date. I hope that interested persons and organisations will submit their views to the Authority.
The Minister said he was in communication with the Minister for Education. Has he received any word from him or from the Higher Education Authority regarding the possible date on which they will commence or complete examination of the matter?
No, but I am urging, through the Minister for Education, that the Higher Education Authority would deal with this matter as soon as possible.