asked the Minister for Education if he is satisfied with the level of public financing for the post-primary sector generally; and, if not, the steps he proposes to take to increase the amount of public funds available to this sector.

Ministers for Education are rarely satisfied with the level of public financing for any sector of their responsibilities. I will be giving the usual consideration to the post-primary sector, as well as to other sectors, in connection with the Estimates for 1978.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, would the Minister tell us whether the Fianna Fáil election promise to guarantee adequate finance to the post-primary sector generally meant anything or whether it was just a holy buzz?

It meant exactly what it said.

Is the Minister satisfied that the financing of voluntary secondary schools is at such a level to allow them to expand their interests?

That is a separate question, Deputy.

The Minister is avoiding the question.

The Minister avoids nothing. I am answering everything.

Is the Minister refusing to answer my supplementary?