asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement outlining his present proposals for the merger of University College Dublin and Trinity College.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - University Merger.
47.
The decisions of the Government in relation to this matter are as contained in the statements published by me on 6th July, 1968, and 15th August, 1968. These decisions have not been altered.
Has the attention of the Minister been directed to the fact that the long period of uncertainty and doubt associated with the proposed merger is now beginning to interfere with the daily administration of both institutions, as the administration is so preoccupied with the problem of merger, or no merger, or what kind of merger, the ordinary day-today affairs in these institutions cannot be given the attention they otherwise would?
I think we are coming to very positive conclusions very quickly in the matter currently. In fact, during this week the governing bodies of both University College Dublin, and of Trinity College have been having discussions with the Higher Education Authority and it is my expectation that very firm conclusions will be reached by the Authority before the end of the year.
Could the Minister say what measure of agreement has been reached in these negotiations?
The discussions are taking place currently and I should not like, at this stage, to forecast what will emerge. I hope commonsense will prevail.