asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that some primary school principals do not allow women teachers to take senior classes; the reason, if any, why women teachers should not take senior classes; and if it is proposed to take action regarding the practice.

8.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that female primary school teachers are not allowed to teach 5th and 6th classes in some primary schools; if he is aware that this constitutes discrimination against such teachers; if it is intended to take steps to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

I am not so aware and in this connection I would refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No. 261 of 27 March 1979. I would like to add that in any event the question of the organisation of the individual school is one for the principal teacher and the board of management.

Is the Minister telling us that it is perfectly all right for a school principal, with the sanction of the board of management, to create a situation in which women teachers may not take the senior classes and that there is nothing that the women teachers concerned or the Minister can do about it?

I am not aware that is the position. The organisation of a school is a matter for the individual school, the principal teacher and the board of management.

If a lady teacher feels discriminated against because she is not allowed to take senior classes could she have recourse to the law against that decision, against the board of management?

I will not presume to pronounce on the legal side. My Department have not received any complaints from individuals or from the INTO.

If the Minister gets complaints will he investigate them?

Yes.