asked the Minister for Education if he will make a comprehensive statement on the establishment of the transition year in post-primary education.

The transition year project was introduced in three second level schools in the school year 1974-75. There are at present 16 second level schools participating in the project on a pilot basis.

The project comprises a one-year interdisciplinary programme which would enable students to be released from examination pressures so that they could devote their time during the year to personal development and community service.

I wish to have all my further questions to the Minister for Education postponed.

I am not finished.

Please allow the Minister to finish.

The curriculum offered during the transition year is developed by each participating school in consultation with inspectors of my Department. It may be designed to meet the needs of those for whom the year represents the end of formal, full-time education and those who intend to follow approved courses for recognised senior pupils.

Are there any special financial arrangements to benefit schools that participate in the scheme and, further, is the scheme to be extended or evaluated by the Department?

It is hoped that the scheme would be extended. I have not got details of the exact financial provisions but I could arrange to let the Deputy have a note separately in this regard or, if he prefers, he may table another question on it.

Is it proposed to make known to the school authorities the substance of the evaluation and is there any evidence to suggest that the transition year discriminates against young people with regard to obtaining employment? If there is any such evidence would it be a matter of concern for the Minister?

It would.

But is there any evidence to suggest that this is the case?

There is no indication here of there being evidence to this effect but perhaps the Deputy would table a separate question in this regard.

The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for the next sitting day.

Hopefully, the Minister will be here then.