asked the Minister for Education if he will state what is the present position with regard to the erection of the proposed new National schools at Balbriggan, and if he will also state whether an application has been received from the Manager for a grant towards the cost of erection of such schools and when a decision will be come to in the matter.

An application has been received from the Manager for a grant towards the cost of the erection of new schools in Balbriggan. The question of the suitability of the site proposed is being investigated. The decision in the case will be expedited as far as possible by my Department.

Is the Minister aware that an engineer was asked to look at the site some 15 months ago and that so far no report as a result of his visit has been forthcoming? There are fully 360 school children in the area, and the existing conditions at the moment are truly appalling. There is a very urgent need for new schools, and I trust the Minister will give the matter his most earnest attention.