asked the Minister for Education if he will state the present position regarding the proposed vocational school at Stradbally, Laois; and when work on this school is likely to commence.

I have approved in principle the provision of a day vocational school at Stradbally and have authorised the County Laois Vocational Education Committee to seek a site.

When a site has been purchased and the schedule of accommodation has been determined, sketch-plans and working-drawings will have to be prepared. Accordingly I am not in a position to say when work on this school is likely to commence.