asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the possibility of further redundancies among secondary school teachers.

Representatives of the ASTI and of the school managerial associations have had discussions in relation to the formulation of a scheme which would facilitate appropriate arrangements for the re-employment in other schools of teachers affected by the closure or reduction in number of pupils enrolled in a particular school. A formal submission by them of an agreed scheme to my Department will receive immediate and careful attention.

Is the Minister satisfied that the procedures will ensure the re-employment of second level teachers?

I cannot make any statement about what will possibly be in the scheme. I regard the question as one of great importance. When an agreed scheme comes to me it will immediately receive the attention that it deserves.

Can the Minister indicate the number of secondary school teachers who will be made redundant this year?

That information is not available.