asked the Minister for Education (1) the total number of persons (a) male and (b) female who in response to the Department of Education (publications branch) recent advertisement for Irish translation of history text books, submitted specimen translations as requested; (2) how many of the applicants were teachers or ex-teachers; what were the occupations of the other applicants; (3) of the total number of specimen translations submitted, how many were considered to be of the required standard; (4) of the panel of translators selected, how many are teachers, ex-teachers, schools inspectors or officers of the Department; what are the occupations of the others; (5) how many persons were engaged in assessing the relative merits of the translations submitted, their names and occupations; (6) and if he will supply a full list of the names and addresses of those placed on the panel of translators.
Written Answer. - History Text Books.
The total number of persons who submitted sample translations was (a) 105 men and (b) 25 women. Applicants were not required to state their occupations and I am not, therefore, in a position to give the occupation of the applicants or of the panel of translators selected. Of the total number of specimen translations submitted, nine were considered to be of the required standard. Three persons, two with higher university degrees in Irish and one with a higher university degree in history, were engaged in assessing the merits of the translations submitted. It would be contrary to normal practices to reveal the names and occupations of assessors of material submitted to the Publications Branch or to supply the names and addresses of those placed on the panel of translators.