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.