asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the widespread shortage of trained computer-operating personnel both in the Government service and private industry; and the steps, if any, he is taking to rectify the position.

I am aware generally of the reported shortage of trained computer-operating personnel. I have authorised the provision in the NIHE, Limerick, and regional technical colleges of a group of advanced computers particularly suitable for educational purposes and capable of handling the main computer languages in scientific, commercial and industrial use in this country. These improved facilities together with facilities already existing in the universities should enable all reasonable demands for suitable training courses to be met.