asked the Minister for Education if he will say whether the customary ten days' leave of absence will be granted to children attending primary schools in rural areas this year to enable them to assist at harvest work.

asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that there is little likelihood of an appreciable change this year in the labour conditions for the saving of turf by private owners and for harvest work generally; and, if so, whether he will authorise the granting of the customary ten days' leave of absence to children attending primary schools this year to enable them to assist at these tasks.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.

Consideration is being given at present to the question of granting ten days' extra vacation this year to rural schools and to certain other schools in order to enable the school children to give additional help at suitable work on the land and in the provision of fuel for the winter months.

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the matter at an early date.