asked the Minister for Education if he will make a full statement on the establishment of the Dublin Institute of Technology; and if his Department intend to promote its further development and expansion.

I am aware that the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee at their meeting of 25 May 1978, made an order in relation to their third-level colleges. This order, which would have effect as from 1 September 1978, was intended to commence a process of unification of the committee's colleges.

I view this development as a useful step on the way towards the establishment by legislation in due course of the NIHE Dublin.

The Minister will excuse me if I am slightly confused. I am not as confused as I would be about the EMS, but nevertheless I am confused. Do I take it from the Minister's reply that certain portions of DIT will be transferred to NIHE or do the City of Dublin VEC intend to have the DIT as a permanent institution or unified structure? I should like clarification on this position.

It is my intention to proceed with the development of the NIHE Dublin. It will have the third level aspects of technological education in Dublin. I do not see any conflict of interest with the VEC because the objective of the NIHE Dublin is to develop technological education in the area and the objective of the city of Dublin VEC is the same. Consequently there cannot be any question of a clash between them.

I hope the Minister will forgive me for asking for a decision or a statement of clarification. Is it intended to transfer the higher level course from DIT to NIHE Dublin?

Yes.

Thank you.