asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to initiate legislation to amend the Universities Act, 1908; and if he intends to publish a white paper on the matter.

Amendment of the Irish Universities Act, 1908, will be included in the legislation which I propose to introduce to give statutory effect to the Government's decisions on higher education. The necessary amendments will be outlined in the prelegislative document which, as I have already informed the House, is in course of preparation in my Department.

When will it be published?

Some time before the end of the year.

The white paper or the Bill?

Both will be published before the end of the year.