asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is intended to establish an agricultural science faculty at University College, Cork.

While the establishment of a new university faculty is a matter in the first instance for the university authorities concerned. I am satisfied that the establishment of a new agricultural faculty at University College, Cork, would not be warranted at this stage in view of the extended facilities available at UCD and having regard to the need to secure optimum utilisation of the funds available for assisting third-level agricultural education.

Has any proposal been received on this matter by the Minister's Department or the HEA?

From?

From the College.

Yes, in July and August 1978 UCC wrote to the Department of Agriculture saying they were considering the feasibility of such a degree course in the college and would report the outcome of their deliberations, but they have not written since then.