asked the Minister for Education what constitutes a comprehensive school; what are the essential vocational subjects to be taught in such a school; and the time that must be allocated weekly to such subjects.

A comprehensive school caters for the interests and aptitudes of all the pupils in the area in which it is located who have completed sixth standard in a national school or its equivalent and who have attained the required entrance age. It combines academic and practical subjects in a wide curriculum and makes available a continuing educational and vocational guidance service for all pupils. Such a school, therefore, provides equality of educational opportunity and offers to each pupil an education structured to his needs and interests.

The main vocational subjects are woodwork, metalwork, art, mechanical drawing and commerce for boys; for girls the main vocational subjects are home economics, art and crafts, and the various commercial and secretarial subjects. Generally, a period of approximately three hours is allocated weekly for each of these examination subjects.

Do they employ aptitude tests?

Yes.

Before admission?

Before admission, but in regard to career guidance, which we are now developing in post-primary education, aptitude tests will form part of the service.

I asked the Minister did they employ aptitude tests and the Minister said "Yes", and then he said they will employ these tests. Are they employing them at the moment?

Yes, in comprehensive schools at the moment.

Do they employ the aptitude tests before they commence some of the practical subjects?

Yes, that is the whole purpose.