asked the Minister for Education when a decision was taken to allow children to commence post-primary education at age 12; if such commencement is independent of obtaining primary school certificate; and if he will give an estimate of the numbers so affected in the year 1965-66 and 1966-67 on present class enrolments.
Written Answers. - Post Primary Education.
87.
I should remind the Deputy that there has always been a provision whereby pupils may enter secondary schools at age 12, whether or not they had obtained the primary school certificate. I announced some months ago that it was my policy to give a three year post-primary education to all our children. It is also the intention to raise the school-leaving age to 15. I would hope that the three year post-primary course would be completed within the period of compulsory schooling. Accordingly the Deputy will appreciate that there is no change in relation to secondary schools. As far as vocational schools are concerned, it is my intention to bring the conditions of entry into line with those of secondary schools. The question of giving an estimate of the number of pupils concerned does not arise in relation to 1965-66. In regard to 1966-67 I could not offer any reliable estimate but I would say that the number is likely to be in hundreds rather than in thousands.