asked the Minister for Education the number of children whose application for admission to secondary schools was rejected in 1968.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Secondary Education.
111.
I am not in a position to state the number of children whose applications for admission to individual secondary schools were rejected in 1968.
I can say, however, that as far as I am aware, no child who was eligible for recognition as a post-primary pupil failed to get a place in a post-primary school in this school year.
Surely the Minister must be in a position to know or to get records of those whose application for admission was rejected for one reason or another? I do not think it is sufficient for a Minister to say he has no information.
We cannot have a speech on this Question.
There is a procedure——
Surely it would be of interest to the Department to have these figures? I am aware of a number of cases rejected—for reasons unknown —in which children were anxious to pursue a course of post-primary education.
I would like the Deputy to give me particulars. The Deputy is making an allegation?
I am not making an allegation; I am making a suggestion to the Minister.
If the Deputy will furnish particulars, I will, in turn, have the matter examined.
If I furnish particulars will the Minister, in turn, give me the information?
Yes.
112.
asked the Minister for Education the number of children admitted to secondary schools in 1968.
Returns from all schools for the current school year have not yet been received in my Department. The number of children admitted to secondary schools for the first time in 1967-68 was 32,842. This is the latest year for which full figures are available.