asked the Minister for Education when the proposed changes in the structure of the universities as announced by him on 30th July last will become effective.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Universities Structure.
14.
Preparation of comprehensive educational legislation is in hand and the work will be expedited as much as possible. The proposed changes in the structure of the universities will become effective from a date to be appointed in accordance with the provisions of such legislation.
Are the Government serious in proceeding with this new educational plan for the universities in view of the criticism made of this plan previously by the Minister for Education, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Industry and Commerce—remarks such as: "The scheme will make us the laughing stock of Europe"? What qualities have been found in the scheme to make it more acceptable to the Ministers now than it was then?
It might be helpful if the Deputy would quote what I said and which is alleged to be in disparagement of the decision made.
I was being nice to the Minister but I did quote what one of his colleagues said. The Minister for Foreign Affairs said that this scheme would make us the laughing stock of Europe.
Would the Deputy quote what I was alleged to have said?
I will do that when I have a question on another day but for the moment would the Minister tell me what new qualities have been found since the Minister for Foreign Affairs made this criticism of the scheme that is now going through and which have changed the mind of the Government? They may have found some latent qualities not obvious to us.
No, but it is obvious to higher education opinion in the sense that it is now widely accepted that decisions have been taken which are being formulated in legislative fashion and I am now glad to tell the House and the Deputy that this is widely acclaimed by informed higher education opinion.
That may be so but what happened in the meantime to make it acceptable now?
We are having repetition, which is not in order.
Will the Minister take any action regarding the increase in charges in the new university at Coleraine which affects people on this side of the Border? Has he any new scheme?
That is an interesting question which I would be delighted to answer if the Deputy would put it down on another occasion. It has nothing to do with this question.
Will the Minister be here to answer on another occasion?