asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of a statement made by the director of the Secretariat of Secondary Schools, indicating the probability of further closures of secondary schools; and the discussions that he has had to date with secondary school representatives in this matter; the plans he has to either stop the closures or substitute alternative schools in the areas affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The statement to which the Deputy refers appears to be that related to possible future closures of secondary schools and the alleged policy attitudes of a teachers' organisation. I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me to comment on the statement i nthe context in which it was stated to have been made.

That is an entirely unsatisfactory reply. Is the Minister aware that serious concern has been voiced by the ASTI in particular in regard to the prospects of redundancy? Surely he has had some consultation with the private school authorities involved? It is a very negative attitude just to say that he refuses to comment on it.

The question asked me about a statement made by the director of the Secretariat of Secondary Schools. I gave the context of the statement and I do not think it would be appropriate to comment because of the context of the statement. It is an attack by the director on the attitude of a trade union.

Was it not indicated that some schools might close? In that situation does the Minister not think it worth his while to find out whether or not this is intended?

I have written to the secondary schools about the question of closures. I am not commenting on a row between the director of the secrtariat and the trade union.

Has the Minister any information which might lead him to suspect that there was some truth in the statement by the director of the secretariat that further secondary schools might be closing down?

He has not.