I have ruled that Deputy Horgan's Question No. 38 of last Tuesday will be answered now.

asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure that pupils attending post-primary schools are not denied education because of their style of dress.

I am not aware of any need on my part to take particular action in this regard at this time. Should such a situation arise where some appropriate measures would appear to be required, I would give consideration to the matter.

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to newspaper reports that a particular pupil in a particular post-primary school in the north-western part of the country has been so refused education? Would the Minister not accept, especially in the case of pupils under the age of 15 who must go to school and for whom no other schools may be available in the area, that this would amount to a denial of their constitutional and legal rights?

I have no notes on this but I read somewhere that there was some question of a refusal to allow jeans to be worn in school.

Long hair sometimes, too.

I do not subscribe to the hanging of men and women for the wearing of jeans.

Is the Minister satisfied that no injustice has been done to any child who may be suspended from school by reason of his dress, the length of his hair or any other aspect of his attire?

I will investigate the matter. I appreciate the Deputy's concern.