Vol. 468 No. 4
466 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education the number of people from the general public who will have access to each education event or conference under the Irish Presidency of the European Union; the meaning of a reference in a recently published Department leaflet on the matter of access on a limited first-come first-served basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15352/96]
The number of people, generally, with access to Department of Education conferences and events during the Irish Presidency, will be contingent on factors such as the capacity of venues, cost, and degree of interest. While, Presidency conferences and events are, in the first instance, aimed at those with a direct interest in the theme of the conference or event, nonetheless the Department wishes to accommodate members of the general public who wish to attend. The number of people from the general public who will have access will be determined in due course, having regard to the factors outlined. The phrase "access on a limited first-come first-served basis", means that in relation to conference places for the general public, the primary consideration governing their allocation will be in the order in which members of the public apply to the Department for entry to specific events.
