asked the Minister for Education the age at which, under regulations, a pupil in a primary school is entitled to qualify for free education in secondary or vocational schools; and the date in any year upon which the said age must be reached.

A primary school pupil can qualify for free education in a secondary or vocational school in any school year provided he has reached the age of 12 years on or before 1st January of that year and provided he has completed a full course of primary education. In addition, in the case of a secondary school, a pupil must be following an approved course in a school which is participating in the free scheme.