asked the Minister for Labour, in view of the recent views expressed on emigration by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the plans, if any, he has to make the information pack on emigration Working Abroad available to post-primary schools.

Each post-primary school throughout the country has been sent a copy of the booklet Working Abroad together with information cards on south-east England — the most asked about destination.

The booklet follows from my policy to discourage thoughtless, ill-prepared emigration. Experience shows that many who decide on impulse, to emigrate, find themselves later in very difficult situations. It is hoped that by encouraging young people to seek information and assistance from placement officers, the problems of unprepared emigration will be lessened.

Teachers have been advised to refer intending emigrants to the local National Manpower office, where information on other EEC countries, as well as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and USA is available.

I congratulate the Minister on producing this pack and thank him for circulating the pack to the schools since I put down the question. Would he consider making this pack available to travel agents?

Hand them out outside the Passport Office.

We do not need passports for England.

The circular to the schools recommends that pupils be sent for further counselling to the National Manpower Service. Is this an insinuation that teachers are not competent to counsel young people at secondary level? The Minister will realise that teachers are probably more aware of potential emigrants than anyone else.

I did not respond to the Deputy's request by circulating these packs. They were circulated some months ago.

Did the Minister send one to the Minister for Foreign Affairs?

We forwarded them to schools because a great number of guidance counsellors had asked for copies. We are not giving them out to everybody because it is usual for the National Manpower Service to advise those who call to their office about details in the documents. The document is not for general distribution. However, I should remark that guidance counsellors found it extremely useful and are using it in their classes.