asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that the extension and development of the Irish Red Cross is restricted in many areas by the lack of suitable halls for meetings and if he will consider in consultation with the Minister for Education what steps can be taken to procure the consent of managers of primary and secondary schools, so that school buildings may be made available for Red Cross purposes.

I am aware that the extension and development of the Irish Red Cross is restricted in many areas by the lack of suitable halls for meetings. The council already has an assurance of my willingness to render any assistance I can in connection with the extension and development of the society.

Would the Minister consider the suggestion contained in the question, namely, the making available of school buildings after consultation with the Minister for Education and with the consent of the school managers?