asked the Minister for Education the steps he will take to introduce senior cycle programmes for the Marino Vocational School, Dublin, in accordance with the request of the parents of pupils at present attending the school.

: The question of a senior cycle for Marino Vocational School is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee which should take due cognisance of the views of the parents of pupils concerned. It is understood that following receipt of a letter from my Department in the matter the question of having leaving certificate courses in Marino and Killester schools was discussed at length at a meeting of the committee and that it was decided to defer approval of such courses in either school for a year. The committee arranged that in the meantime its board of studies should examine various aspects of the proposal.

: Will it be possible to consider it at the end of about a year?

: The committee acting for the parents in the first instance will consider it and if the Deputy reminds me in about a year's time we will see what we can do about it then.

: Can I interpret from the Minister's reply that there is not any rooted objection or any inhibition about the Department approving a request from the VEC if such comes about for the senior cyclists in both these schools?

: It the Deputy putting words in the Minister's mouth? The VEC have a statutory obligation in the matter and I will be in touch with them.