asked the Minister for Education the present position in regard to the proposed course in Irish studies.

This course was initiated in 1975-76 on an experimental basis in some schools and its progress is being kept under continuing review.

How many schools were involved in the experiment?

It was commenced on a pilot basis in eight schools: the Community School, Tallaght; the Community School, Mayfield, Cork; St. Ignatius School, Galway; St. Patrick's Classical School, Navan; the Community School, Coolmine; the Crescent College Comprehensive; St. Enda's Community School, Limerick and Scoil Phobail, Carna, Contae na Gaillimhe.

Has the Minister received progress reports from his inspectors on those schools?

The progress of this subject has been occupying a syllabus committee, composed of representatives of the Department and of the schools involved in the pilot scheme. They have co-opted experts in educational research from some of our teacher training colleges. This syllabus committee brought the project to a certain point and we are watching its further progress.

Would it be possible to get a comprehensive progress report brought before the Dáil or in published form in the near future?

This might be appropriate on the discussion of the departmental Estimate. I will have the Deputy's request adverted to in the Department in that regard.

On a point of clarification, is the Minister referring to the Estimate for 1977?

Whatever Estimate is being discussed in the Dáil at any future point.

It might never be reached.

Surely we passed all the Estimates en masse already this year?

That may be so but it seems to me to be the only mechanism which would allow us to have a full discussion on the matter. Perhaps the Deputy might like to put down a motion on which we could discuss it in Private Member's Time.

I believe the Minister said that this commenced on an experimental basis. I also thought he said on a private basis in eight schools.

A pilot basis.

I was intrigued with "private".