Is the Minister satisfied there are adequate arrangements in existence for the objective testing of the standard of literacy and numeracy of pupils at the end of the primary school period in the absence of the primary school certificate?

There are the Marino and Drumcondra tests which are available mainly for reading. There have been attempts in the past to adapt tests for writing. I am not too sure of the value of them but I much prefer our own basic research as done in Marino and Drumcondra and I am pleased these tests give worth-while information to educationalists.

Are those tests supplied in all primary schools and, if not, would the Minister wish that they should be?

The Deputy is aware, I think, that the actual tests are being modified and tested in the schools and will finally be available for universal application.

Would the Minister——

I am calling the next question.

Would the Minister consider requiring that such tests be applied in all primary schools?

As they are not the only tests and as we have in our primary schools the finest set of inspectors one could get in any country, I would not at this moment undertake to impose these tests by force on all schools, but I am very glad they have been developed in our own context in our own country and are available.

If the Minister is not considering imposing the test, in the case of schools which decide to apply the tests will he ensure the Department will bear the cost of the test?

That is a separate question.

It may be but I would like to say that, if my Department and my inspectors, in particular, are satisfied they are needed in a specific school, then I shall pay the cost.