andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the latest developments in the proposed universities merger.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Merger.
107.
Section III, paragraph 19 of the first report of the Higher Education Authority, recently published, contains a summary account of the activities of the authority to date in relation to its task of preparing legislative proposals for the establishment of new universities at Dublin, Cork and Galway. It is there made clear that the authority, while keeping in full view the Government's decisions in 1968, especially in relation to a better concentration of resources in higher education, has been consulting with the existing colleges and other relevant bodies. The report emphasises that, while the task is proceeding, the replacing of the existing statutory framework of the universities must inevitably be a difficult one, involving much further consultation with interested parties. In the circumstances, it would be premature to make a statement as requested by the Deputies.
I accept the difficulties but it does remain true that the issue of the merger has been hanging over the heads of the various university colleges and the staffs involved for nearly three years now. Very major decisions, particularly affecting areas such as the establishment of medical teaching hospitals and of later generation computers in the area of medical engineering, have to be deferred until this decision is taken and I wonder just for how long will the House be told that the matter is a difficult one and under review.
As the Deputy is aware, this is a matter for the HEA. In relation to this matter we are determining something which will affect higher education for many years to come. For that reason I would like all interested parties to have an opportunity of putting their views to the HEA before a decision is reached so as to ensure, as far as possible, that we will make the right decision.
The Minister says that he would like all interested parties to have the opportunity of putting their views to the education authority. Since large numbers of interested parties seem to be opposed to the whole principle of a university merger, am I to assume from the Minister's reply that the education authority maintain an open mind on the issue of the merger as such at all?
It is up to the various interests to make their views known to the authority. I could say more but I would prefer not to inhibit the authority in any way.
Would the Minister have any idea as to when something will emerge?
I am afraid I could not say but I would like it to be as soon as possible.
Yes, but what does that mean? Will it be in the next year, two years, three years or five years?
I am afraid I cannot speak in that sense for the authority. The authority is an autonomous body but so far as I am concerned I have already let it be known to the authority that I would like to have this matter resolved as early as possible.
I must say we are grateful for the reassurance that the authority is an autonomous body.
I am sure there is no need to reassure Deputies that the authority is an autonomous body. That was very obvious from their report.