asked the Minister for Finance when it is intended to start work on the extension and repairs to Caherconlish national school, County Limerick.

I cannot yet say when work will commence on the extension and repairs to this school.

Because of prior commitments it has not so far been possible to prepare plans and specification for the work but it is hoped that these documents together with bills of quantities can be completed in time to have tenders invited early in 1977.

Do I take it that this work will be completed in 1977?

No.

Could it be in 1978?

My information is that the Department of Education have not given this case special priority. I suggest to the Deputy that the school management board and himself should take up the matter with the Department of Education and get special priority. So far it has not got special priority.

It could be X years before this work is done?

No. Early in 1977 we shall look for tenders.

Will the work be done in 1978?

I would hope so.

But it could be 1979?

I suggest that the Deputy and the management board get on to the Department of Education to give this school special priority.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Minister for Education came to this little hamlet early this year and guaranteed the people that this school would be built for them or at least the extension would be built this year, the current academic year, which ends on 1st July? In conjunction with the Minister for the Gaeltacht he promised that this would be done this year.

It will not be completed in 1977. As I have said, if the Deputy and the management board get the Department of Education to give it special priority, certainly the Board of Works will fulfil their obligations.