asked the Minister for Education the reason his Department refused to recognise Shanahoe national school. County Laois, as an all-Irish school; and if he considers that refusals of this kind are understood to be not in the best interests of the promotion of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In keeping with general policy every possible encouragement is given by my Department to the promotion of the Irish language in national schools. I am satisfied, however, that a change in the medium of instruction in Shanahoe national school would not, at present, be to the educational advantage of the pupils.