§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what percentage of secondary schools in Northern Ireland taught Irish in the academic years 1985–1986, 1986–1987 and 1987–1988;
(2) what percentage of grammar schools in Northern Ireland taught Irish in the academic years 1985–1986, 1986–87 and 1987–1988.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 16 May 1988]: This information is not readily available for the 1985–86 and 1987–88 years and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. In 1986–87, 39.4 per cent. of all secondary schools taught Irish—the figure for secondary intermediate schools being 38.4 per cent. and for grammar schools 41.9 per cent.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether a quota system operates in relation to students who wish to study Irish/Celtic studies as part of the Bachelor of Education degree course in Northern Ireland.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 16 May 1988]: No. Quotas are operated only in relation to overall intakes; institutions determine the number of places to be offered in each subject, provided numbers meet normal viability criteria.