With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 17 to 24 together.
In a statement to the annual general meeting of the Association of Managers of Catholic Primary Schools in Athlone on 12th July, 1973, the secretary of my Department, with my approval, put forward for consideration by the managers certain suggestions with regard to the development and reorganisation of our system of educational administration. These suggestions have not as yet taken the form of specific proposals and the Deputy may be assured that before that stage is reached there will be the fullest consultation with all the interests involved.
Since the statement was unscripted copies are not available; but the newspaper reports of the following day carried the main items contained in the statement.