asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, to introduce consumer protection education in schools.

This matter is at present under examination by my Department in the context of the relevant recommendations by the Consumer Education Committee.

Will the Minister state when he received the relevant recommendations? Further, is he satisfied with the pace of progress in coming to decisions since the recommendations were received?

The committee in the Department got to work immediately the recommendations were received. As the Deputy knows, we have a new curriculum in the primary schools into which consumer education of the relevant standard can be fitted.

At secondary level, it may be more difficult to fit it into one of the subject areas, but that is our intention.

Would I be correct in believing that these recommendations were received by the Minister at least 18 months ago?

I do not think so. I had a letter from the Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy on 29 March in regard to this matter.

Would the Minister not agree that the recommendations were published approximately 18 months ago?

Not that I am aware of. At least, they were not brought to the attention of my Department for their educational content.

Does the Minister receive Government Information Services publications?

That is an irrelevant question. Before I call on Deputy P. Barry to read his Private Notice Question, I want to say that the remaining questions will be answered by written reply unless Deputies indicate that they wish them to remain on the Order Paper until after the Recess.

Questions Nos. 33 to 37, inclusive, postponed.