andMr. Browne asked the Minister for Education the provision she intends to make for the education of children who may be denied entry into secondary schools as a consequence of such schools reducing their first year intake of pupils so as to avoid an increase in the present large class sizes which will occur if the proposed restriction on school staffing levels is implemented.

I do not accept that the adjustments proposed in the authorised quota of teachers in secondary schools to whom incremental salary may be paid in 1983/84 will have the effect in relation to the enrolment of pupils implied in the question from the Deputy.

Arrangements for the enrolment of pupils in second level schools are a local responsibility of the school authorities concerned.

Is the Minister aware that the arrangement for the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio will have the effect implied in the question and that there will be a cutback in the teacher allocation in such schools?

I am afraid I must simply repeat my answer. I do not accept that the adjustments will have the effect in relation to the enrolment of pupils implied in the question.