asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the high level of illiteracy found in primary school leavers in the recent report of the chief school attendance officer of the city of Dublin, he will (a) immediately arrange for an inquiry as to why children can neither read, write nor count satisfactorily after eight to ten years tuition in primary schools (b) greatly increase the number of remedial teachers and declare them ex-quota and (c) augment and categorise as ex-quota remedial teachers in post-primary schools.

34.

asked the Minister for Education if he has noted the contents of the annual report of the National Association of School Attendance Officers with regard to illiteracy in school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions No. 33 and No. 34 together. I do not accept that a reference to a high level of illiteracy reflects properly the report referred to or the actual position in relation to primary school leavers. I do not, therefore, propose to comment in regard to the report.