asked the Minister for Education if he will consider using the flexibility inherent in the Vocational Education Act of 1930 to allow third level VEC colleges to respond positively to changing demands.

I always endeavour within the limits imposed by existing legislation to allow the greatest possible measure of flexibility to third level VEC colleges to respond to changing needs.

I accept, however, the implication in the Deputy's question that changing needs require the colleges to be in a position to respond with even greater flexibility than in the past. It is with this objective in view that my predecessor brought forward the proposals contained in Part II of the Green Paper — Partners in Education — on which discussions have taken place. The result of these discussions is under detailed consideration at present.

The Minister accepts the implied question but he does not answer it. Would the Minister agree that the legislative proposals implied in the section of the Green Paper which deals with third level VEC colleges would not be necessary if the existing VEC Act which is extremely flexible and adaptable was explored to see how the colleges can expand and take on extra functions to cope with their changed status and the changed demands upon them? Would the Minister consider using the amendments to the 1930 Act rather than legislation based on the Green Paper?

It was with that objective in mind that Part II of the Green Paper was published. The discussions on that section of it are receiving detailed consideration at present.

When will these discussions be concluded?

Education is naturally a matter for discussion. It would be my wish that the discussions relevant to this matter would be expedited and completed as soon as possible.