asked the Minister for Education the present pupil-teacher ratio in national schools.

The pupil-teacher ratio in national schools for the school year 1979-80 was 29.2.

This is the latest school year for which information is available.

Is the Minister aware that the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools in Northern Ireland is 23.8 to 1?

I am not so aware but, if the Deputy says it is true, I accept it. Their numbers are falling so fast, there is heavy redundancy among teachers and they have teachers available to reduce the ratio.

Is the Minister further aware that in some disadvantaged areas of Northern Ireland the pupil-teacher ratio is below 20 to 1?

I am aware that in some parts of the Republic the pupil-teacher ratio is 14 to 1.

Is the Minister aware that the present situation in schools in this part of the island is worse that it was in schools in Northern Ireland ten years ago? Could the Minister suggest a date on which we will catch up with the North?

I do not accept that. One of the good points about society is that we have a school population which is increasing fast. We are coping very well.

Is the Minister satisfied that the teacher-pupil ratio in urban areas, especially cities, is satisfactory?

It is on that front that the attack has been made in the last four years, with considerable success. We are still working on the reduction of large classes, which is quite a different thing from the pupil-teacher ratio.

Is the Minister satisfied that urban areas require more intensive investment——

Would the Minister please reply to Ceist 3?

I want a reply to my question.

I have allowed quite a number of supplementaries on that question.