Vol. 403 No. 4
34 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education if, arising from the inclusion of regional technical colleges and other third level colleges in the CAO system, she will be able to effect a reduction in the fee of £18 in line with the economies of scale; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
44 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Education if she is concerned at the fact that 1,498 applicants, who were granted their first options under the CAO system this year, turned down these options; the reasons for this disturbing figure; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
56 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that 1,498 applicants turned down offers of their first preferences under the CAO system this year including places on prestigious professional courses, she will consider as late a closing date as possible for students to make their choice of courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 34, 44 and 56 together. As the CAO is a private company established on their own initiative by the third level institutions involved the Deputies will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on administrative details such as the fee charged or the closing date for applications. However, I am confident that the CAO seek at all times to maximise the efficiency of their service to applicants and to do so at minimum cost.
The refusal rate of first options offered in the first round of offers this year under the CAO system was not unusual as it consistently runs at 20 per cent or so, as it did this year. The Deputies will appreciate, I am sure, that students like to keep as many options as possible open, the possibility of proceeding to third level being one of them.
