asked the Minister for Education if he will make a comprehensive statement on the new proposals for the governing structures in Saint Patrick's College of Education, Drumcondra, Dublin, and Our Lady of Mercy College, Carysfort Park, County Dublin, with particular reference to both staff and student representation on the proposed governing structures.

Any proposals in relation to the governing structures of the colleges concerned and their composition are, in the first instance, a matter for the appropriate authorities in the colleges.

I have not received any proposals in the matter from the college authorities.

In view of the substantial amount of State money given to these colleges, would the Minister agree that, in relation to any emerging governing structures, the students and staff should be represented?

I agree with the Deputy but I would also add Government representatives to look after the State's investment.

Can we take it that the Minister is not satisfied with the present degree of public accountability and representation on the governing bodies of these colleges?

I have not considered that matter. I was answering a question in relation to the governing structures of the colleges and was confining my remarks to that.

Is the Minister aware of any draft governing structures?

I am not.