asked the Minister for Education if he will consider reviewing the course in civics in the schools with special reference to the possibility of introducing a new civics handbook for school children and a full-time course in civics being introduced for examination purposes.

The course in civics was introduced in post-primary schools in September, 1966, and, like the courses in other subjects, it will be subject to continuous review.

The production of school texts is a matter for the publishing firms. I do not consider any action on the part of my Department is demanded in this matter at present.

The subject civics forms an essential part of the revised Intermediate Certificate course and is required to be taught for at least one class period weekly. I feel, however, that the whole basis on which the subject was introduced would be destroyed if it were made an examination subject.