asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that, due to a statement issued by the Government Information Services, many schools allowed their students a free day on Monday, 3rd October, 1977, in honour of the newly ordained Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland; if he will now allow the schools concerned to reduce the school year by one day; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

11.

asked the Minister for Education on what auspicious religious occasions he intends to allow a free school day; and if he will specify such occasions for the various religious denominations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

12.

asked the Minister for Education the effect of the recent amendment to Article 44 of the Constitution on the granting of free school days; and if he will make a full statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 11 and 12 together. Permission to close schools on Monday, 3rd October, 1977 was given to managerial authorities of schools in that part of the Archdiocese of Armagh, which is in the Republic of Ireland. I regret that I could not give it for the parts in Armagh and Tyrone. The managements that closed schools as a result of the GIS statement are being authorised to regard the day "as a day of exceptional closing". Permission to close schools on certain religious occasions is normally given at the request of the religious authorities and it would not be possible for me to specify such occasions as might arise in the future.

I do not consider that the amendment of Article 44 of the Constitution has any relevance to the granting of permission for the closing of schools for particular occasions.

Is the Minister aware that there was a lot of muddling over this? Some schools thought they should give this free day while many others did not. That is not the way to run a Department.

Deputy Kelly rose.

I will deal with the two supplementaries together.

Would the Minister answer my question first?

I am the person who will decide whether a question should be answered or not.

The managements that closed schools as a result of the GIS statement are being authorised to regard the day "as a day of exceptional closing".

Will the Minister take precautions to ensure that on any similar future occasion the GIS issue a statement in good time? My experience, and that of my family on this occasion, was that statement was issued on the Friday afternoon. It caused a shambles in at least one household.

It was half withdrawn on Saturday.

Is the Minister aware of any schools outside the Archdiocese of Armagh which closed on that day and if so what action does he propose to take in regard to those schools?

I am aware that the responsible authority in Stormont anticipated me by giving permission to close schools before I gave it. I do not know what area the Deputy is referring to.

Schools in this part of the country and outside the Archdiocese of Armagh.

Is the Minister aware that a statement was issued on Friday, half withdrawn on Saturday and half reinstated on Sunday with the result that nobody knew where he was on Monday?

I am aware that the Deputy was concerned, and rightly so, about the day of exceptional closing and I believe I have covered that issue in my reply.

The Minister cannot make up his mind about free days.

Will the Minister give a simple assurance that on future occasions people will be given reasonable notice so that they will know where they stand?

It is strange that the Minister could give a direction to Stormont when he cannot give us a proper direction.

Stormont gave me the information.

Deputy Harte should be in Stormont.

Stormont gave me the information.

Here is Deputy Allen, all the way from Wexford. He should get his name on the record because the record does not know him.

Obviously the Deputy has not disposed of his contacts.

That is right. Brush up the green shamrock around that man. It is falling around his ears.

I was simply saying that my arm was twisted——

Would the Minister give a simple assurance that in so far as he is able he will not repeat the shambles of September last?

I do not accept that there was a shambles.