asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to introduce legislation setting up the Curriculum and Examinations Board on a statutory basis.

Draft heads of a Bill to establish the Interim Curriculum and Examinations Board on a statutory basis have been prepared by my Department. Following consultations with other interested Departments, I propose to bring the matter before the Government in the near future, with a view to introducing the Bill in the Dáil early in the New Year.

May I take it that in the term January to April 1986 this legislation will be discussed in this House?

That would be my intention.

Do I take it that the precise timing is not yet decided upon although the draft heads of the Bill are presently being drawn up? We have had on several occasions promises of legislation from various Ministers — I am not pointing the finger at the Minister present because we have not had legislation of an educational nature. We have been told very soon, in the near future, within a few months, in the next term, and it does not turn out to be so. Do I take it that we will have this legislation between January and April of next year?

As far as anybody can look into the future, that is the position.

Finally, would the Minister's Department give me the facility and courtesy of acquainting me further as the matter develops?

Certainly, Deputy.