asked the Minister for Education if the proposed rationalisation of University College, Dublin and Trinity College, Dublin has received Government approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - University Rationalisation.
35.
asked the Minister for Education when he intends publishing the report on the future of university education in Dublin which, according to widespread press reports, has been submitted to him by the Higher Education Authority.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
The report which I recently received from the Higher Education Authority in relation to this matter will be published as soon as possible. All the interested bodies will then be given an opportunity of commenting on it before any decision is taken by the Government.
May I ask the Minister when he received the report?
I have not the exact date, but it is a relatively short time ago.
Would he say it was within the last three to six months?
No. It is a very much shorter time than that. I suppose it was about six or eight weeks ago.
One appreciates that the Minister cannot give an exact time, but to say in his reply "as soon as possible" means nothing. I am sure the Minister could give us some indication as to whether it would be three months or six months. There have been some things promised "as soon as possible" but they did not materialise for ten years. Could I ask the Minister for a little more precision?
I would say within three months.
That is great.
The Deputy will appreciate the printing problems that arise.