asked the Minister for Finance whether he will state the minimum number of marks for Irish to obtain pass in examinations held by the Civil Service Commission, and whether the marks vary in respect of different positions or for appointments in different localities.

The minimum mark necessary to qualify in the written test in Irish at the examinations held by the Civil Service Commission varies with the circumstances of the post for which the examination is held. The position in the undermentioned open competitions is as follows:—

It should be remarked, however, that a candidate, in order to be successful, must, in fact, attain a much higher standard than the prescribed qualifying standards above indicated.

In addition to the written test in Irish, candidates for competitions (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) above are required to pass an Oral test in Irish, which is of a qualifying nature and to which marks are not assigned. Candidates for the Junior Administrative Officers' and Assistant Inspector of Taxes' competition, and the Gaeltacht Post Offices Learners' examination are required to undergo a competitive test in Oral Irish. The marks allotted are included in the aggregate which determines the placings. An Oral test in Irish has not so far been required in the case of the examination for Typists and Shorthand-Typists. Such a test will, however, be applied in future.