asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been called to the resolution adopted at the recent Congress of the Irish National Teachers in favour of free books and requisites for school children and what action he proposes to take in connection with the matter?
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Books and Requisites.
I have read a copy of the resolution to which the Deputy alludes. I would refer him to my reply to the question addressed to me by Deputy Norton to-day.
In considering a scheme of this kind, might I suggest to the Minister the desirability of obtaining the opinion of local authorities whether in the circumstances he has mentioned there would be co-operation from local authorities in such a scheme.
I am not aware that local authorities have made representations that they were prepared to cooperate with the Ministry in regard to this matter. I shall of course be very glad to have representations from such bodies or their co-operation. At the moment the position is that I am not in a position to make a definite statement on the question.
Arising out of the answer, is it not a fact that the Party that now constitutes the Government when in opposition expressed the greatest sympathy with the views of Deputies now putting these questions?
Is not that a separate question?