asked the Minister for Education why he has withdrawn the grant of £36,000 from the Dublin city schools library service; and if he intends to restore this sum before 31st December, 1975.

9.

asked the Minister for Education if he will give an assurance that the contribution to Dublin Corporation for the primary school library service will be restored in 1976.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.

In connection with the Estimates for 1975, it was found necessary, in the prevailing circumstances, to revise the provision for certain services including the scheme of grants for libraries in national schools. The question of the restoration of a provision for school libraries is now being considered in connection with the Estimates for 1976.

Did the Minister forbid officers of his Department to answer questions on this matter last August?

Which officers of my Department in respect of which inquiry?

Question No. 8 in respect of the abolition of grants for libraries in schools. Would the Minister believe that I was passed to four different people in his office on 12th August last when seeking information on this matter?

The Deputy should know that I would not have that information to hand immediately.

Would the Minister agree with Alderman Byrne of Dublin Corporation when he said it is the children of poor families that are particularly hit by the withdrawal of these library grants in Dublin and elsewhere to a total of £126,500?

I have heard what the Deputy has said.

Would the Minister agree that it particularly hits children from poorer families and, if so, would he consider giving a grant now before the end of 1975?

I am having a look at the situation with a view to considering the position for 1976. I cannot go any further than that at this stage.

Does that mean that the Minister has shut the door completely on the grant for 1975?

There was no provision in the Estimates for 1975.

There is such a thing as a supplementary estimate.