asked the Minister for Education his attitude towards the proposal by the National College of Art and Design to have two of their courses validated by Trinity College, Dublin.

The question of the degree—awarding authority in the case of degree—level courses provided by the National College of Art and Design has yet to be determined.

Would the Minister not agree that this is now a matter of considerable urgency given that the courses concerned are due to produce their first graduates next year, which may be in advance of any reorganisation of higher education carried out by the Minister?

What does the Deputy mean by "next year"?

Next summer or autumn.

The question is not a simple one. It is certainly not a question that can be solved by a fiat from me even if I was anxious to do any "fiating".

Does the Minister intend the courses of the National College of Art and Design to be validated by Trinity College or has he in mind the NCEA being the validating body for the National College of Art and Design?

I should like to refer the Deputy to the terms of my answer, that the question of degree awarding in the case of the NCAD has yet to be determined.

When can we expect such a determination?

As soon as we can.

Will it be in the current academic year?

I expect it will.