asked the Minister for Education the number of applications for grants for the repair of one-teacher and two-teacher schools at present under consideration in his Department; the names of the schools; and when decisions will be made on the applications.

The number of such applications at present is about 120. It would not be in accordance with normal practice to list the names of the schools concerned. As indicated in my reply to Question No. 118 on 15th February, 1977, I am not in a position to say at this stage when decisions will be made on these applications although I am anxious that they be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

I did not hear the last sentence of the Minister's reply.

I am not in a position to say at this stage when decisions will be made on these applications although I am anxious that they be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

Could the Minister say how long the longest application has been on his books?

I could not. I should imagine the bulk of them are there since I made my announcement on 7th February, and there may have been some before that.

There were some before that.

I am sure there were, but how many I do not know.