asked the Minister for Education if a contract has yet been placed for the building of a new national school at Tiernakill, Maam, County Galway; and, if so, when he expects work to commence.

I understand that a contract for the erection of the new national school at Tiernakill has been placed by the Office of Public Works. The contractor has intimated that he will be in a position to commence work by next January. Under the terms of the contract the school is due for completion by July, 1974.