asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the present shortage of trained national teachers, he will state what plans he has to ease the situation; and whether it is proposed to recruit graduates for the posts or initiate a short training course for graduates.

It has already been arranged as a temporary measure that, in certain circumstances, principal, assistant and lay assistant teachers reaching retirement age may be retained in the service for a year. The further measures necessary to deal with this problem are under consideration. I propose to make a statement regarding the matter at an early date.