asked the Minister for Education if he intends to undertake a review of the academic staff appointments system at Maynooth University in order to eliminate the undesirable discriminatory features of the present system.

6.

asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that St. Patrick's College, Maynooth is in receipt of substantial State funds, he will take steps to ensure a common system of appointments, including terms and conditions of employment, in this college and in all colleges recognised by the National University of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.

Academic staff appointments at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, as in the case of other university institutions, are governed by the relevant statutes and regulations. The Minister for Education has no function in relation to such appointments in accordance with existing legislation.

7.

asked the Minister for Education if he has, since assuming office, met the trustees of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, or representatives of the trustees, to discuss the future status of that institution; and the outcome of such discussions.

I have not had any such meeting.

Can the Minister say whether he is aware, regardless of whether he has had a meeting or not, of the views of the trustees of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, with regard to the future status of that college and what those views are?

I have not had any such meeting and I do not know how I could know their views without a meeting. I have neither had a meeting nor a communication in writing from them.

8.

asked the Minister for Education if there are any proposals to establish St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, as an independent university.

Proposals to establish St. Patrick's College, Maynooth as an independent university were announced by the Coalition Government on 31 July 1976. No action was taken on these proposals.

Does the Minister intend to take any action on these proposals?

Legislation with regard to the universities will come before the House during the lifetime of this Government, and I can assure the House of that.

Can the Minister say whether that legislation will include the establishment of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, as an independent university or not?

As the legislation is in train and, as the Deputy is aware, there is a constitutional problem, I cannot answer that question now.

Would the Minister agree that his failure to answer that question will give rise to considerable disquiet in Maynooth among people who believe that it is only by achieving independent status under a properly constituted governing body that the problems which recently arose in that institution will not ever arise again?

The Minister would not like to be a party to arousing disquiet there.

A written reply has been requested to Question No. 9.