asked the Minister for Education if he will state the total number of (a) boys, and (b) girls committed to industrial schools since the passing of the School Attendance Act, 1926.

I assume the Deputy's question refers to the total number of boys and girls committed to industrial schools under the provisions of the School Attendance Act, 1926. These figures, from the date of the coming into operation of the Act up to 31st July, 1947, are (a) 1,493 boys, and (b) 188 girls.

Detailed information regarding the number of children committed annually to these schools on the grounds mentioned and for other reasons is published in the annual reports of the Department of Education (appendix V, table D).