asked the Minister for Education the number of qualified teachers who graduated from teacher training colleges in each of the years 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The output of teachers from the recognised colleges of education in the years in question was as follows:

The number in 1976 was affected by the introduction of the three-year course for teachers in 1974.