Is this the beginning of the end? That's what people are beginning to ask about the CAO/CAS system, which has worked so well for many years. The situation is "a complete farce," according to one expert. Time was when you could compare last year's CAO/ CAS handbook with the new one and identify the new courses on offer. But no longer.

Sadly, the handbook - through no fault of the CAO - is no longer the bible it once was. Long after publication of the 1997 handbook new courses were coming on stream. This year the 1998 handbook is outdated even before it hits the schools.

And there's another dilemma. After the CAO applications closing date, May 1st, new degree programmes starting in October were introduced by a number of colleges. TCD, for example, has introduced a BA (Mod) in information and communications technology. UCG, meanwhile, is offering a BE in electronic and computer engineering and Athlone RTC has announced three new courses - a BSC in computer software engineering, a national diploma in mechatronics and a new national diploma in computing. "Will these courses be available for 1998?" is the question some commentators are asking.

Imagine the problems facing guidance counsellors. "The colleges have got to get their acts together," say Vivian Cassells, guidance counsellor at Oatlands College, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. "No courses should be offered after publication of the CAO literature. The CAO handbook should be the definitive document. An important part of our work is ensuring that students have thoroughly researched the courses they apply for on the CAO form. Having to deal with courses out of the blue makes our job much more difficult."

The fact that there have been late cancellations of at least six courses offered in the 1997 CAO handbook is also causing consternation and has left a number of students high and dry. "Courses should be cancelled as early as possible - and not later than May," comments Cassells. "It gives the institution a bad image and deters students from applying for any course there the following year."

One major change in the 1998 CAO handbook is the inclusion of a number of private third-level colleges. Between them, the American College, Dublin, LSB College and Portobello College, Dublin, bring 16 new degree programmes and six national certificate courses to the handbook. But these colleges remain private. They charge hefty fees and their students are ineligible for maintenance grants. Let's hope that this does not cause difficulties for unsuspecting parents down along the line.