asked the Minister for Education if he will increase the capitation fee payable to the Daughters of Charity Convent, Dunmanway, County Cork in connection with the home economics residential course run by them.

The question of conceding an increase in the capitation grant payable to residential schools of domestic training, including St. Mary's School, Dunmanway, is receiving attention in the context of the preparation of the Estimates of Expenditure for the Public Services for 1978.

I was hoping that there might be another few bob for west Cork here.

I think that Cork gets everything.

Is the Minister aware that the capitation fee in this school, which I assume applies to the other schools referred to as well, is only a half a crown per hour per pupil and that this level was fixed in 1969? Is the Minister also aware that as a result of there being no increase this school is in danger of closing down?

The Deputy is right, there is something in the note about 1st of September, 1969, but sack-cloth and ashes I will not don for whatever happened up to 5th July, 1977.

In view of the very serious problem involved, the school genuinely might have to close down, will the Minister give an assurance that he will deal with the application sympathetically at the earliest opportunity?

We will not let it close down if we can prevent it at all.

Is the Minister in good form today?

Question No. 14.

I got no lunch today, maybe that is what it is.

I have called Question No. 14.