With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions 53 and 54 together.
As regards the first of the questions I desire to draw the Deputy's attention to the statement issued by my predecessor on behalf of the Government on 6th July, 1968, in which it was stated with regard to the provision which might be made for the teaching of Theology and Divinity in the reconstituted University of Dublin that:
Statutory provision will be made for the teaching of these, but particular arrangements in regard to them will be subject to consultation with and the agreement of the appropriate Church authorities. In that regard it is envisaged that Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth, would, as an Associate College of the University of Dublin, be in a position to play the fullest part in the teaching and study of Theology, as well as fulfilling a distinguished role in the realms of Arts and Science.
I do not wish to add to that statement pending receipt of recommendations from the Higher Education Authority in relation to the overall provision which might be made for higher education. The position of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, is one of the matters which will come to be considered in that connection.