asked the Minister for Education his views on the drastic consequences for existing research and teaching programmes in science and engineering in the third level institutions, as a result of his announced cut in the number of new awards of maintenance allowances for training in research; and if, in view of these most serious implications, he will undertake to maintain the number of new awards at least at the present level.

The position regarding the scheme of allowances for post-graduate training in research in pure science and engineering has been reviewed and the number of new allowances to be offered for the 1986-87 academic year will be maintained at the present level of 200.

That is a satisfactory answer. Do I take it that is a change from the earlier letter which reduced the number of new awards from 280? Are the new awards maintained at the same level of 200?

That is what I said. I received representations from the universities and, having regard to——

I am calling Question No. 29.