asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the serious problem existing in Saint John's College, Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin; if he received details of the problem from the past pupils' union on 21st March, 1977; if he will make a statement in relation to this matter: and the action he proposes to take.

Planning for a major extension to St. John's College, Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin, has been initiated and the manager has been requested to arrange for his consultants to prepare plans.

I received on March 22nd last a communication from the St. John's College Past Pupils' Union, Ballyfermot, in connection with the accommodation at the school.

May we take it that the development of such much-needed facilities as a library, a geography room, a gym, facilities for remedial training and a science laboratory will be provided in the immediate future?

The Deputy may take it that the plans submitted by the manager in question, in consultation with the community, will be examined very carefully in the Department and that there will be no delay in providing any accommodation that is considered necessary and desirable.

Can the Minister give any indication when these longoverdue facilities will be provided? Can he even indicate when the work will commence?

It is not within my power to indicate when the work will start. The planning is being undertaken at present by the community in question and once these plans have been submitted to my Department there will be no delay.

Is the Minister aware that this matter has been in train since the early seventies and would he not agree that in an area such as this where there is a rapidly-increasing population it is necessary and desirable that the basic educational facilities sought will be provided? Having regard to the lack of these facilities, much credit is due to those concerned for the very good work they are doing in this vastly overcrowded school. Can the Minister give any indication of when the work will start?

That indication has been given already. Work will start as soon as the plans have been submitted to the Department and processed.

Has the matter not been under consideration for the past six or seven years?

I do not know about that but no specific plans have been submitted to the Department.

I shall allow the Deputy one final supplementary.

Is the Minister saying that no plans have been submitted in this regard?

Question No. 23.

We have had indications of what is required but no specific plans have been submitted.

Can the Minister give an undertaking that if the plans are submitted there will be no delay in regard to the work.

I have given that undertaking already.

I have called the next question.

Can the Minister foresee the development taking place this year?

Yes, but part of that is outside my control.

23.