Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 2

Written Answers. - Central Applications Office.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

135 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to create a separate section in the Central Applications Office in order that detailed analysis of the information held by that office can be carried out and made public (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10252/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a private company limited by guarantee (non-profit making) which processes applications centrally on behalf of its member institutions, namely the universities, the colleges of education, the regional technical colleges, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Higher Education Authority. The CAO also makes its services available to non-member institutions.

My Department does not have any function in relation to the arrangements operated by the CAO and the question of any extension of its services, is a matter for the CAO. In this regard, I understand that issues have been raised about the availability of statistical information and that these issues are being considered by the Higher Education Authority.