asked the Minister for Education if it is permissible for a school to continue to claim capitation grants in respect of students who have been suspended from the school, for the duration of their suspension.

This matter is governed by the rule defining a "recognised pupil" as one who "makes not less than 70 attendances as recorded in the attendance book provided by the Department, at an approved course".

The application of this rule in the matter of the payment of capitation grant in respect of a suspended student depends, of course, on the particular circumstances of the case in question, for example, the number of actual attendances recorded, the length of the period of suspension, the decision ultimately taken in regard to the removal of the suspension.

Will the Minister say if in any given case a capitation grant has been refused by his Department for a pupil who was registered at a particular school at the beginning of the year?

That is a separate question.

If the attendance falls below 70 I am sure it has happened but I cannot say offhand what is the position.

I am asking the Minister if he is satisfied with the quality of monitoring by inspectors in his Department of the rolls of schools to make sure that children who are marked present are actually present?

I am quite satisfied. I have no reason to believe they are not present.