asked the Minister for Education if he has approved the arrangements governing the award of the Diploma in Applied Science at the College of Technology, Kevin Street, Dublin, and the award of the B.Sc (Applied Science) degree by the University of Dublin in respect of the same examination, as set out in the College prospectus for 1977-78.

The question of the award of the Diploma in Applied Science is a matter for the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee.

The question of the award of degrees by the University of Dublin and the basis on which such an award is made are matters for the university concerned.

Can students who are following the course in question take it that there will be no objection from the Minister or the Department of Education to their being awarded a university degree in the terms set out in the prospectus?

The Minister has said what he has said. The diploma is the responsibility of the Dublin Vocational Education Committee and the degree is the responsibility of the university.

Does the Minister intend that the NCEA will in future be responsible for the degree aspect of this course?

It is my policy that the NCEA should be responsible for the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates in all non-university areas.