asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that many students from Aranmore Island, County Donegal, who are attending the Franciscan Convent, Falcarragh, will not be able to continue their secondary education owing to the balance of fees now demanded (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Twenty-two pupils from Aranmore Island who attended the secondary school in Falcarragh in the present school-year qualified for both a maintenance grant and an additional grant for necessitous pupils.

Thirteen other pupils from the island who attended the same school qualified for the maintenance grant only because their parents' incomes are above the level specified for eligibility for the additional grant.

The terms of the scheme in relation to eligibility for the award of the additional grant were improved as from the beginning of the present school years 1975-76.