asked the Minister for Education whether, in view of the fact that, under the Constitution, the Parliament is elected on the proportional representation basis, he will take steps to include instruction in this system of election in the programme of subjects to be taught to senior pupils in national schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proportional Representation.
The proportional representation system of election is rather involved and would, in my opinion, be beyond the comprehension of pupils of national school age. In addition, instruction in the system might easily become a basis for the introduction of objectionable political bickerings and animosities among the pupils.
Am I to take the Minister's reply as an indication of the bias of the present Government against the system of proportional representation?
Will the Minister consider it in respect of secondary schools?
I do not know whether he would or not.
Perhaps you will ask him.
Yes.
Might I ask the Minister to explain to the House how a child of 14 leaving a national school can be influenced in a political manner in connection with an election at which he or she will vote in seven years' time?
I do not think the Minister said that.
It would take a Fianna Fáil library to answer that one.