asked the Minister for Education if a degree will be awarded to the students who have successfully completed the NCEA-recognised four-year course in hotel and catering management at the RTC, Galway; and if he will state who is setting the final examination papers.

Before a degree can be awarded to students who complete a degree course they must attain the required standard in the examinations set to assess their level of achievement in that course. In the case of the course which the Deputy has mentioned, the final examination papers have been set by the college concerned and monitored by extern examiners.

Is the Minister aware that some of the people associated with the running of these hotels, some of which are State-sponsored, do not employ any such people when qualified?

I am not so aware.