asked the Minister for Education if she envisages institutions, other than the two NIHEs, as being part of the new National Technological University to which she referred in a recent speech in Limerick.

In the speech to which the question refers, I said that a certain proposition had been put to me and that I was disposed to consider it seriously. I went on to say:

It would seem appropriate, however, to seek an objective assessment of this possibility to be undertaken by an international team of experts.

In that connection, consultations have taken place with the Higher Education Authority and I am at present considering what the terms of reference of the team should be and how the team should be constituted. I hope to make an announcement in the matter in the near future.

Does the Minister envisage the Dublin Institute of Technology and/or RTCs, or any educational institution other than the two NIHEs, being encompassed in this study group which she is setting up?

I should like to be in a position to give the Deputy an answer. As I have explained, I have been having discussions with the Higher Education Authority. They have a very strong role to play in this area of advising the Minister. Therefore, I would not like to pre-empt those discussions by announcing a decision here at this time. I assure the Deputy that she will know the answer to her question at the first possible moment.

That concludes Question Time. Questions down for oral answer which have not been reached will go for written answer in accordance with the Order of the House.