asked the Minister for Education the provision, if any, that has been made in the certificate examinations conducted by his Department to meet the problems of children who suffer from specific reading difficulties.

In March each year school authorities are invited to send to my Department particulars of any candidates who suffer from a physical or other handicap which could militate against their performance at the forthcoming certificate examinations.

The scripts of such candidates are specially examined by the chief advising examiner having regard to the nature and extent of the handicap in each case.

61.

asked the Minister for Education the facilities that are available for the education of children with specific reading difficulties in County Kildare and at secondary level.

Children with specific reading difficulties are provided for under the arrangements for remedial teaching in general.

In smaller schools where the need is not great, remedial teaching is organised on a part-time basis where teachers are free from ordinary class duties for certain periods during the day.

For larger schools, an additional teaching post may be sanctioned. Seven such appointments altogether have been sanctioned in national schools in Athy, Newbridge, the Curragh, Kildare and Naas.

In some areas of the country, Saturday morning remedial teaching schemes have also been organised by the Department on an experimental basis. I hope to have such a scheme organised in Monasterevan to begin in September next.

On the secondary side, there are at present remedial teachers in one secondary school and in one vocational school in County Kildare, and it is hoped to appoint further such teachers in the school year which will commence in September next.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied in general with the transfer from special classes to post-primary education?

The question relates to County Kildare.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied with the transition in County Kildare?

The question relates to County Kildare and to specific reading difficulties, not to special classes. The supplementary question is not relevant to Question No. 61. Perhaps the Deputy would ask a specific question on the matter.

The Parliamentary Secretary is steamrolling.

I answered a question recently raised by the Deputy on the matter. I would refer him to the Official Report.