I want to assure both the Chair and the Minister that I certainly did not put down this question to provoke a confrontation. Is the Minister aware of the temporary expedient operated by the Kildare VEC arising from which the VEC have been advised that they may be surcharged for their actions in this regard and that this matter is the cure that the Minister and her colleague are referring to?

Political publicity is taking precedence over the good of the pupils.

I had a very constructive meeting with the Kildare VEC and feel that they are conducting their business in a very admirable fashion.

In relation to the employment of caretakers, would the Minister be prepared to contact the Kildare VEC with a view to determining the number of schools seeking to employ caretakers and try to make some effort to resolve the difficulties that have arisen?

No. I will not be contacting Kildare VEC to ask how many caretakers they need. One might as well open a Pandora's box and contact every county committee all over the country. I do not intend to do that.

If they contact the Minister, will she be prepared to assist?

I am precluded under a Government decision brought in by the Deputy's Government and continued by this Government.

In fairness, a Cheann Comhairle, it is possible to resolve the problem without breaching the embargo.