asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position with regard to the Code of Discipline Report which has been with his Department now for some considerable time.

The report of the Committee on School Discipline was published in October 1985 and copies were circulated to all schools. In addition, representatives of the school management authorities and parents were invited to discuss the recommendations and to make written submissions. The study of those submissions which have been received and consideration of the outcome of the consultations held is now virtually complete and I hope to be in a position to announce my responses to the recommendations in the report before the end of the present school term.

The last time I asked that question which was six months ago the Minister told me that he would have them in place for the academic year beginning September 1986. That is now past. Can I take it that the Minister is quite definite in his commitment to have the recommendations on the report implemented in time for January 1987?

Before the end of the present school term. One of the important aspects of this was that the national parents' council set up by my predecessor wished to make comments with regard to this matter. These comments are being awaited.

That is another delaying tratic.

The Minister expects to be in a position to respond finally before the end of the present school term with regard to this matter.

Deputy Haughey has been given permission to put a question on Private Notice to the Minister for Social Welfare. Will he read the question, please?