asked the Minister for Education if he will investigate the possibility of including in the school curriculum a course of instruction in relation to first aid procedures.

The new curriculum for primary schools includes first aid in the programme of physical education for fifth and sixth classes.

The intermediate certificate syllabus in home economics provides for instruction in first aid procedures, and aspects of health education are also included in the syllabuses in physical education, civics and science.

Would the Minister agree that a knowledge of first aid would be invaluable, particularly in relation to injuries received during sporting activities at school?

I agree it is important and it is an area that has been studied with more intensity recently than it used to be. There has been a study of specific kinds of injuries incurred in certain games.