Vol. 243 No. 11
asked the Minister for Education if any consideration has been given by his Department to the necessary legislative and other stages that should be taken to provide for the teaching of Theology to primary degree level in the two colleges (UCD and TCD) which are to be associated in the new university of Dublin; and, if so, with what result.
54.
asked the Minister for Education if he has any plans to involve St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, institutionally in the projected new university of Dublin.
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.
Just to demonstrate that there are well-known theologians on the Labour benches, could I ask the Minister if these consultations are taking place?
No consultations have taken place in relation to the legislation.
