asked the Minister for Education if she has considered expanding the Central Applications Office system whereby students may apply for different courses in different colleges at the one time to the regional technical colleges and the Dublin Institute of Technology in particular, having regard to the fact that many regional technical colleges have taken on a national character in regard to certain courses and specialisations; if she has asked for the advice of the Central Applications Office, National Council for Education Awards, or National Institute for Higher Education in this regard; if not, if she will do so in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 35, 46 and 47 together.

A task force within my Department are currently examining admission procedures to third level education and also the administrative procedures in relation to grants and scholarships. The task force have recently completed the consultative stage of their examination which involved detailed discussions with a wide range of interested parties and are at present examining and evaluating the results of these discussions, along with other material, with a view to drawing up a report and recommendation. On receipt of this report I will give consideration to recommendations at the earliest possible stage. It is expected that an interim report from the task force will issue at the end of June.