asked the Minister for Education the plans he has to provide 1,100 extra teachers in first level and second-level schools.

Having regard to present estimates of increases in number of pupils in the different categories of schools as from the commencement of the school-year 1977-78, it is considered that additional posts for teachers will be distributed as follows:

Would the Minister like to distinguish between primary schools and training colleges in regard to the first figure he gave?

The figures are, six for training colleges and 204 for primary schools.

Is the Minister satisfied that 204 will significantly affect the teacher/pupil ratio at the primary level?

I would not like to say it would significantly affect it.