asked the Minister for Education if he intends to make UCC and UCG independent universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

4.

asked the Minister for Education if he intends to change the present structure of UCD and/or the University of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.

Provision for any change in the structures of university institutions which may be considered necessary will be made in the legislation for the new universities. I would prefer, therefore, not to make a statement on the matter at present, other than to say that it is the intention of the Government that UCC, UCG and UCD will be independent.

Would the Minister indicate when this legislation is likely to come before the House? Is he aware of the intense public interest in the prospective legislation and would he comment on the question of the dissolution of the National University of Ireland vis-à-vis the Constitution?

I agree that there is intense public interest, an interest which has been maintained over a number of years, but I could not give the Deputy any idea as to time. With regard to the constitutional question, this is a very knotty one. As the Deputy knows, it was referred to the Attorney General by the last Administration. We must have all the advice possible from the legal end to make ready for this legislation.

Could the Minister inform me if there is any forward planning in relation to the dissolution of the NUI and the setting up of the colleges that now exist on an independent basis?

All the studies that have been made and are being made at the moment are part of forward planning for the establishment of the university colleges as independent universities in their own right.

Could the Minister say if the heads of a Bill have as yet been prepared by his Department and, if such heads have been prepared, have they been circulated to other members of the Government?

The draft heads of a Bill relative to statutorily establishing the National Council of Education Awards have been prepared. They have not been circulated.

Will the dissolution of the National University of Ireland mean the abolition of university seats?

That is the crux of the matter. We would have no constitutional problem at all were it not for the fact that the National University of Ireland is written into the Constitution. We have to solve that problem and its solution will take the best legal wits we have.

Is the Minister in favour of abolishing university seats?

No, the Minister is not in favour of abolishing seats. This is an interesting question but it is one we could discuss in the club, not here.

The Minister might need one some day.

Could the Minister indicate the position of recognised colleges of the NUI which will pertain?

The recognised colleges, being recognised colleges, will have to go if the NUI goes, naturally, and then other regulations will have to be made.

What does the Minister mean when he says they will have to go? Will they not be recognised as universities or will they be independent universities?

It would seem to me they would have to be recognised by one of the new independent universities.

Has the Minister received the Attorney General's advice on the constitutional issue yet?

I have not received the advice of the present Attorney General.