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.