asked the Minister for Education the number of vacancies which exist on the Higher Education Authority; when it is intended to fill these vacancies; the names of those whom it is intended to appoint; and if she will make a statement on the Government's long term plans for the Higher Education Authority.

At present there are four vacancies in the Higher Education Authority in relation to the minimum number of members as set out in the Higher Education Authority Act, 1971.

It is my intention to recommend to the Government at an early date the names of appropriate persons to fill vacancies in the authority in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

It would be inappropriate for me to divulge the names of the persons whom I propose to recommend in advance of the Government having had an opportunity to consider the recommendations.

The HEA in compliance with the terms of the Higher Education Authority Act, 1971 continue to perform the functions given to them by the Act.

(Limerick East): Can the Minister assure the House that she will be in a position to announce the names of those appointed prior to Christmas?

As the Deputy knows, Christmas is very near but I will certainly endeavour to do that.

(Limerick East): I am only trying to help the Minister.

Yes, I know.

Let us now deal with questions nominated for priority.

On a point of order, might I ask you, Sir, in the first instance, if it is possible to indicate to the House the precise manner in which one can change the allocated spokesmanship for the purposes of use of priority time. I am the Education spokesperson for my party and I have——

We cannot take up the time of the House now on that matter, Deputy Higgins. My office will be very happy to facilitate the Deputy with information along the lines he seeks.

Thank you, Sir, but——

The Minister cannot be expected, without even the courtesy of prior notice, to give a reply now.

I am not in the least argumentative in respect of Deputy Noonan who is not Fine Gael education spokesman toujours, but this is a matter that needs clarification.

The time allocated to priority questions is strictly limited. The Chair is always in difficulty in completing these questions within the prescribed time. You will appreciate therefore that it is not helpful to me to raise matters of this kind at this stage.

On an entirely separate matter, I understand that the Minister for Education was perfectly willing to answer the priority question I had down on political and social studies and recent developments in that area.

There are ways and means of teasing out these matters without taking up the precious time allocated to priority questions. I am sorry, Deputy Higgins.

I have been completely deprived of my time.

Please, Deputy, there are other ways and means of raising these matters and of resolving them, hopefully satisfactorily, if we get a fair chance.