asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the future of the Cork Dental Hospital and School.

The report of the Higher Education Authority, dealing with higher education generally, including dental education, will be published shortly. Following its publication all the interested parties will have an opportunity of making comments and observations on the recommendations contained therein.

The Deputy will therefore appreciate that to make any statement at this stage on the future of any institute of higher education would be to anticipate the publication of the report and the full discussion of the recommendations contained therein.

Would the Minister say why the report is not being published? Is it not a fact that he is waiting for the House to go into recess before publishing the report?

Why should I wait? I believe that charge was made on an earlier occasion, too, when I was not present. What reason would I have to wait for the House to go into recess?

Because it may not be a popular report.

This is the report of the Higher Education Authority. It is not my report.

This is what is described as the devolution of authority, taking something off the Minister's back.

Passing the buck.