asked the Minister for Education if he will give an assurance that the diploma to be awarded to students of the Limerick School of Art and Design and the Crawford Municipal School of Art, Cork will be recognised as a qualification for entry into the one year course on the principles of teaching art.

This matter is under examination in my Department and it is anticipated that a decision will be taken in regard to it at a very early date.

Is the Minister aware that there is great concern among students doing the course because they have got hints that they will not be accepted?

I do not know where the hints came from. I can understand their concern but there has been a meeting between the NCA and officers of my Department and further meetings will take place.

Can I take it the Minister is hopeful?

I am hopeful that a satisfactory conclusion will be arrived at.