asked the Minister for Education in respect of (1) first level; (2) second level; (3) third level education: (a) present college school-going population; the estimated number for 1982, 1985 and 1989, (b) the present and estimated places needed to meet the demand in the 1980's; and (c) the planning and commitment of resources it is intended to allocate to meet these expanded demands.

The information requested in section (a) of the question is given in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, will be circulated with the Official Report.

In so far as concerns sections (b) and (c) a statement of policy in relation to the relevant issues will be made in the White Paper to be prepared by the end of 1979. I may add in reference to additional places to be provided in institutions of higher education that the Higher Education Authority has commissioned studies in this regard which, it is anticipated, will also be available by the end of 1979.

Following is the statement:

Estimated Totals of Pupils by Level.

Could the Minister indicate when he expects to be in a position to publish the White Paper, in what month in 1979?

At the very earliest, in the month of December.

May I take it that at the very latest therefore it will also be December?

The Deputy may.