andMr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Education the steps he has taken to abolish corporal punishment in primary schools.

I have had meetings with representatives of the teacher unions and school management authorities in connection with the question of implementation of the commitment of the Government as set out in the Programme for Government 1981-1986 for the abolition of corporal punishment in schools. I am examining the appropriate measures to be taken in this regard in the light of the observations and suggestions made at these meetings. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the matter in the near future.