asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to introduce legislation to establish the NCEA on a statutory basis.

34.

asked the Minister for Education if and when he intends to establish on a statutory basis the National Council for Educational Awards; if the council will have power to award degrees, primary and post-graduate, to graduates of non-university institutions; when the necessary legislation will be enacted; and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.

The necessary procedures for the preparation of legislation to establish the NCEA on a statutory basis have been initiated and will be expedited as much as possible. The powers of the council in relation to academic awards will be set out in the legislation.

Will the Minister state whether he proposes to give the NCEA any degree-awarding facilities in the area of teacher education?

The NCEA will have degree-awarding powers in relation to certain institutions which qualify teachers.

Will the Minister tell the House if the NCEA will be given the power of accrediation for post-graduate degrees?

Yes.

These matters necessitate legislation that will come before the House. There will be ample opportunity for discussing them then.

Is the Minister saying that some teachers will receive NCEA degrees and some will receive university degrees?

Yes.

Will the Minister state if the legislation relating to the NCEA will be introduced seperately and prior to the legislation relating to the universities?

The answer in both cases is yes.

Can the Minister give an assurance to the House that the independence of the management of higher institutes of education and the regional colleges will be assured and will not be tampered with by the NCEA legislation?

The chairman of the RTC in Waterford can rest content on that point.