asked the Minister for Education when a capital allocation will be made to allow the commencement of the extension to the Ursuline Convent secondary school, Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

At this stage it is not possible to say precisely when the planning processes in relation to the extension to the Ursuline Convent secondary school, Waterford, are likely to be completed. It is expected that the question of a capital allocation for the project will arise in the coming financial year, when it will be considered as sympathetically as possible in the context of departmental committees and availability of resources.

Is the Minister aware that this extension is required as a matter of urgency? The tone of his reply does not give me great optimism in the matter. I understood that this extension was to be commenced this year.

As I communicated to the Deputy in December, 1975, examination of a revised sketch scheme received in November of that year had just been completed by the Department's architects. A major extension is to be provided to bring the capacity of the school to 700 places. The current enrolment is 641 girls. I accept what the Deputy says about pressure being severe. There has been no delay on the part of my Department. A developed sketch scheme comprising floor plans, sections and elevations, detailed layouts of special subject rooms and cost plans was requested on 10th February, 1976 and received in the Department on 19th July, 1976. These plans and cost proposals are still under consideration. As I indicated in my answer, every effort will be made to clear them at an early date. The next stage of planning will involve preparation of working drawings and specifications for both the building and the mechanical and electrical services. The question of making a capital allocation will be considered when the tender stage of the planning process is reached next year. At that point the extent of the commitments in relation to secondary school building projects under construction and the availability of capital will determine the date for the seeking of tenders.

I take it the Minister accepts the urgency of this matter. Can he give me an assurance that it will receive favourable consideration when estimates for the coming financial year are being formulated?

I have indicated that it will be given sympathetic consideration in view of the pressure.

Will the Minister come clean and tell us straight that there is no possibility of a capital allocation for the Ursuline Convent school, Waterford before 1978 or 1979 unless Fianna Fáil are back in power?

That would be far too long.

1977 is over-committed.

Order. Question No. 16.

16.