I am sure the Minister of State will agree with me about the excellent work carried out by St. Joseph's school for deaf boys since its foundation over 100 years ago and that it provides this service on a national basis. Pupils come from all over Ireland, including Northern Ireland. The school is giving a 32-county service. However, since the new building has been opened they are operating under restrictions and handicaps in a number of areas, first of all, staffing. I understand there have been a number of meetings between Department officials and school management, that proposals have been made that are completely unacceptable to the school management and that these proposals are putting strain and stress on the staff there, particularly on those involved in practical subjects. They do not know how long they will be there or whether their jobs are secure. This does not lead to a satisfactory way of conducting things. Can the Minister of State tell me if he or his officials intend to meet the board again to explore and discuss suitable arrangements regarding staffing because they cannot proceed——

A question, Deputy.

I am aware there have been difficulties recently in providing for the teaching of practical subjects in the school. Difficulties arose because the school has more teachers than the number of pupils would normally warrant but there are not as many with specialist teaching qualifications as would be desirable. This came about as a result of declining enrolments. It has not been possible to sanction replacements for teachers who left the school recently. Unfortunately, the teachers who left were those qualified to teach practical subjects. Naturally, I am very concerned about this and I am having the matter examined with a view to finding a means of catering for the practical subjects within the approved pupil/staff ratios.