The Minister said that preparation of the legislation is in hand. Could he be a little more precise about that? Does that mean it is with the parliamentary draftsman?

Certain aspects of legislation in regard to third level education are ready to go to the draftsman; draft heads are ready.

Is it not true that those draft heads were prepared before the Minister came into office?

It is not true.

I beg to differ with the Minister there. If the Minister has made changes in what was there before he came into office has he discussed those changes with the HEA and, if not, does he propose to seek their advice on them?

The document to which I referred as draft heads has been prepared since I came into office. There was already advice from the HEA on it which was taken into account.

Therefore, the HEA advice would be on the basis of the document I submitted to them when I was Minister.

Deputy P. Barry, when he was Minister, inherited certain policies from his predecessor. The Fianna Fáil Government decided to change certain aspects of those policies. Naturally enough the draft heads will change accordingly.

Will the Minister state if he consulted the HEA about the changes?

Yes. The HEA are charged statutorily with giving me advice. Of course advice is sought from them. They must be a little puzzled about the whole business. The previous Government changed their mind so often about third-level education they must be up in a heap.

The HEA got the document last November and they had it six months before they returned it. There should be no cause for any puzzlement about such a precise document.

The Minister is being ungenerous in his replies.

Does the Deputy think so?

I am calling Question No. 33.

33.