asked the Minister for Education whether her Department places any obstacles in the way of citizens of the State embarking on degree courses with the Open University by restricting their access to foundation courses or otherwise; and her views on the participation in the Open University by Irish citizens.

The present policy is to develop a national distance education programme here involving where appropriate the use of courses and course material from the Open University and other distance education bodies. The National Distance Education Council which has been given the task of developing the national programme are in discussion with the Open University about making available their courses and course material in Ireland. These discussions are at an advanced stage.