asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the proposals for the future of the medical schools in Dublin.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Education.
25.
asked the Minister for Education if he has given consideration to the proposals in the Higher Education Authority report on medical education in Ireland and to the submissions from the medical schools and hospitals concerned.
Mr. R. Burke
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions No. 25 and 26 together.
The report of the Higher Education Authority dealing with higher education generally, including medical education, was submitted to all interested bodies who were invited to submit comments and observations on the recommendations which it contained. The submissions since received are being collated and subjected to detailed examination.
When this examination has been completed it is my intention to submit proposals to the Government in relation to the future provision for higher education generally, including medical education.
In the meantime I am not in a position to make any further statement in regard to the matter.
Is the Minister aware that the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland was not consulted by the Higher Education Authority—this was prior to the present Minister's appointment—and would he bear this fact in mind and consider receiving representations on behalf of the Royal College of Surgeons?
Mr. R. Burke
Certainly.