asked the Minister for Education how frequently the ad hoc curriculum and examinations development board is meeting at present; when it is envisaged that it will be set up on a statutory basis; where it will be sited; the location of this board at present; and if it will issue interim reports during its ad hoc period.

The frequency with which the Interim Curriculum and Examinations Board hold their meetings is a matter for decision by the board themselves. My aim is to have the board established on a statutory basis in two year's time. Where the statutory board will be sited will be a matter for decision by that time. At present the interim board are located in offices in Earl Court, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. The terms of reference of the interim board state that the board shall publish an annual report and may publish such documentation as they may consider necessary for the furtherance of their remit.

Was it not envisaged earlier on that the spell of the ad hoc, interim curriculum and examinations board would be for 12 months? I think I noted somewhere that originally it was for 12 months, which term has now been extended to two years.

The term was always two years.

As an interim board?

It was always two years.

Can I have the Minister's assurance that at the end of that two years, it will be set up as a statutory board?

That is the intention.