asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to introduce legislation for the new universities.

I am not in a position to say when legislation for the new universities will be introduced. Its preparation is in hand and the work will be expedited as much as possible.

Would the Minister not accept that most of the preparatory work for this legislation was done by the time the Minister came into office? Would he further explain the delay in introducing the necessary legislation?

I would not be prepared to accept that most of the preparatory work had been done. For example, there was a question of a referendum. I am not aware that the previous Government conducted a referendum, which we think may be necessary in this regard. Certain policy changes by the Government will also affect third level education, for example, the role that the National Council for Education Awards have to play, so that the Deputy is not right in saying that most of the preliminary work has been done.

Can the Minister actually tell us whether the Government propose to hold a referendum in connection with such legislation?

If it is necessary to hold a referendum as a pre-requisite of legislation, then it will have to be held but there has been no Government decision taken with regard to the referendum as yet.

Or legislation?