Does the Minister not agree that graduates coming out of the training course for primary teachers who get a B.Ed. degree should have the same recognition for that degree as that given to primary degree holders in any other faculty, either within the NUI or Trinity College? Does the Minister not agree that a step towards that omnibus recognition of the B.Ed. degree is a desirable objective?

So far as the Department of Education are concerned there is no doubt about the quality of the B.Ed. degree. The universities make their own decisions in regard to these degrees.

I have no doubt either about the B.Ed. degree. I am not quibbling about that. Surely that degree should have equal standing and should allow a holder to pursue a higher degree course in any of our universities? Surely the Department should seek to obtain that objective?

I understand that is the position. I fail to understand the implication of the question about extending the course to four years because many of the degree courses in our universities are three-year courses.

I do not want the Minister to digress. I am asking him to ensure that the B.Ed. degree will be a degree of similar standing in the context of further and higher degrees. Any move in that direction should be welcomed by the Minister and should be sought by him.

With respect, I am answering a question about the suggestion of the Chairman of the Higher Education Authority to extend the training course to four years. That was the only consideration I had in mind when preparing the answer to the question.

The Minister had no other thoughts about the matter?

Nothing relevant.