asked the Minister for Education if any vocational education committee has been asked to base their teacher employment numbers for 1977-1978 on 95 per cent of the intake in September, 1977.

The Department do not make such a request to vocational education committees. I am forwarding to the Deputy copy of the circular letter issued in March this year in regard to the matter.

Is there any reference in that letter to a percentage of those who signified their intention of attending vocational schools?

Projected figures would be in it. The vocational education committee would be asked to project the number of enrolments they thought would take place in September. That may not be the actual number of enrolments, but there must be some form of projection at this stage.

Do I take it that there is no reference to 95 per cent in that circular?

Yes.