asked the Minister for Education if he will sanction the appointment by Westmeath VEC of a temporary caretaker at the sports complex which was built by his Department at Retreat Road, Athlone, County Westmeath, and which was handed over to the Westmeath VEC.

The question of the arrangements to be made for the management of the sports complex in Athlone is under active consideration at present. Pending a resolution of this matter, which will include the extent of the participation of the urban district council in the financial responsibilities involved, I am not in a position to approve of the appointment of any temporary staff at the sports complex.