asked the Minister for Education when he will sanction the second phase of the grant to a school (name supplied) in County Cork; and if he is aware of the urgent need for immediate payment of this grant.

The manager of the secondary school in question decided to proceed with a second phase of building without my Department's prior approval. He was advised that no commitment could be entered into regarding payment of a grant for this phase as the additional places were not then needed. In the circumstances it was not possible to sanction a grant in respect of the expenditure undertaken. It is proposed, however, to have the matter reviewed when the number of pupils enrolled in the school increases to a level to correspond with the number of places provided.

Can the Minister say by how much the number fall short of the figure which would allow him to sanction the grant?

Phase two still represents an over-provision of places. At present there are 325 places in the school while the current enrolment is 251.