asked the Minister for Education if he will state (a) the number of pupils on the rolls of the National Schools qualified to sit for the Primary Certificate Examinations in 1931; (b) the number of pupils presented and the number of primary certificates awarded, and the number of pupils who failed.

The Primary School Certificate Scheme is intended for children who have completed at least the sixth standard course for national schools. The number of pupils enrolled—sixth and higher standards— on the 30th June, 1931, was 46,508. Such of these pupils as had not already obtained the certificate in previous years were eligible to compete at the examination in 1931. 9,198 pupils actually sat at that examination and certificates have been awarded to 7,120, while 1,902 failed to pass the examination.

Is it not possible for the Minister to give the information sought in the question? What is sought is the actual number of children qualified to sit.

The information I have given to the Deputy gives the number of children enrolled on 30th June, 1931. If the Deputy wishes for further information, I suggest that he should put down a further question.