asked the Minister for Education why voluntary secondary schools are treated differently by his Department from other second-level institutions.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to give a considered reply to this question in the absence of a specific indication of the differences in treatment which he has in mind.

If the Deputy will put down a specific question in the matter, I shall endeavour to answer it as fully as possible.

Do I take it from the Minister's reply that there is a difference in treatment as between voluntary and other secondary schools?

That is what one calls being invited to purchase a pig in a poke.

I will be more specific. Is the Minister aware of the disquiet that has been expressed to him by the people concerned in the running of the secondary school in Buncrana?

There are two post-primary schools in Buncrana, a vocational school and a secondary school.

It is in the secondary school.

I am not aware of any disquiet. The Deputy has asked why voluntary secondary schools are treated differently by the Department, and I should like to state that they are treated differently because they are differently constructed. I presume that the Deputy does not mean that there is any discrimination against them.

Yes. I would not be so concerned as to put down a question if that was not the position.

I do not accept that.

Has the Minister any recollection of being approached by the authorities of Scoil Mhuire Secondary School in Buncrana on this matter?

That is a separate question.

I was asked why I had not been specific enough in my question for the Minister to answer it but when I am specific I am told that it is another question.

If the Deputy put down a question in relation to this I would be only too pleased to answer it, and I am sure that the six months bar would not apply if it related specifically to the Buncrana school.

It will be time enough next week.

I will be willing to deal with it if we arrive at that question or I will take special interest in a written answer to the Deputy on the matter.