asked the Minister for Education if he will give an assurance that pupils from Scoil Mhuire, Howth, County Dublin, will be guaranteed places for their continuing education at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Arrangements for the admission of pupils to a particular school in any year have to take account, inter alia, of the accommodation available in the school and the size and organisational structure of the classes in the school at the time. It would not, accordingly, be feasible for any school management to give an assurance as suggested in the question from the Deputy. I am confident, however, that Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, will meet its obligations in connection with legitimate applications for places from pupils from Scoil Mhuire, Howth.

Is the Minister aware of the anxiety caused the parents of Scoil Mhuire in Howth, parents who are not sure that their children will be able to continue their education? Would the Minister not instruct the board of management at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, to make arrangements to have the pupils from Scoil Mhuire placed in the Baldoyle school?

An officer of my Department will be in touch there to see to it that they will be placed.

Is the Minister saying an officer of his Department will be in touch with Pobalscoil Neasáin to ensure that places will be made available there for pupils from Scoil Mhuire?

Yes.

Thank you.

25.