andMr. Mannion asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the general agricultural science course is being withdrawn from UCG, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed that this matter is still under discussion between University College, Galway and the Higher Education Authority. It would not, accordingly, be appropriate for me to make any further statement in the matter.

Do I take it from the Minister's reply that he has nothing at all to do with it?

The Higher Education Authority have a statutory duty to fund the universities which come originally from the Government and my Department.

In view of the fact that there are less than 2 per cent of farmers in the west of Ireland who attend agricultural colleges and all students who attend the agricultural faculty in the universities are potential agricultural advisers, surely the Minister will agree that it is not a proper course to take to remove this faculty from UCG?

As the Deputy is aware the first two years of the four year Bachelor of Agricultural Science course could be taken in University College, Galway. I am informed by a letter of 19 Feabhra 1979 that the Higher Education Authority hope to dispose of this matter finally after the meeting between their finance committee and the college representatives which is scheduled for 20 March 1979.

Do I take it from what the Minister is saying that it is possible that the two-year course will still be left there?

I will await the combined wisdom of the people who meet on 20 March.

I will also await the result of that meeting.