asked the Minister for Education if, having regard to the insanitary and dangerous condition of Bere Island national school, County Kerry, he will order its closure pending the construction of a new national school.

It is proposed to replace the existing national school at Ballinakilla, Bere Island, by a new school.

I have received no suggestion other than that made in the Deputy's question that conditions in the existing school are such that it should be closed pending the erection of the new building. I am accordingly requesting the Commissioners of Public Works to advise my Department as to the position in this regard.

Is the Minister aware of the insanitary conditions in the school and the fact that the parents of the children attending the school are very concerned about the health of their children? Is the Minister aware that many of the pupils are absent from school through illness more often that pupils at other schools? That is due entirely to the insanitary conditions there.

I am aware that this is an old school and is due for replacing but there has not been any suggestion to my Department or the Office of Public Works that conditions are insanitary or dangerous. In view of the Deputy's question I have asked the Office of Public Works to inspect the school and if the position is as the Deputy complains something will be done about it.