asked the Minister for Finance why he considers that the response to the invitation of tenders for improvement works to Castleiney national school, County Tipperary, is unsatisfactory; and if he will readvertise for tenders in view of the fact that the reverend manager has carried out preliminary works at his own expense, as a result of a direction from the Office of Public Works.

Only one tender was received and that was from a contractor who was fully engaged at the time on another contract for the Commissioners of Public Works. It is not intended at the moment to reinvite tenders as the future of the school is under consideration by the Minister for Education.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary now refusing to spend a few paltry pounds on a national school after spending £40,000 on a swimming pool that holds no water and £14,000 on a ball-alley that is already flooded?

I am not refusing to spend a few paltry pounds. The building of a school in the area is being considered by the Department of Education.

Then why did the Office of Public Works direct the reverend manager to sink a pump at this place and spend a couple of hundred pounds on it?

There is a question on the same subject down to the Minister for Education and if the Deputy listens to the Minister's reply as well as to mine, he will get the answer to his supplementary question.