asked the Minister for Education when the extension to Shannonbridge National School, County Offaly, will be built.

My Department have given approval to a proposal for the erection of two additional classrooms on the site of the existing national school at Shannonbridge, County Offaly. The Commissioners of Public Works have been asked to prepare sketch plans for the project. At this stage I am unable to say when the extension scheme will be completed.

In view of the overcrowding in the school in Shannonbridge, would the Minister be able to approve the contract in the coming financial year? This is a very urgent matter.

It is not possible to answer the Deputy's question until I have had the answer to the question which I put on 8th October to the Commissioners of Public Works. When the report and an estimate are available we shall make up our minds on the question of a grant.

Is the Minister in a position to state the size of these rooms and whether the conventional type of building will be provided?

As the Deputies know, some difficulties have arisen in regard to the amalgamation of schools in the area. When these difficulties have been resolved, we will then be in a position to give the details to the Deputies.