asked the Minister for Education the proposals he has for a new national school at Bansha, County Tipperary; and when construction is expected to commence.

Sanction has been given for the erection of a new national school at Bansha to cater for the pupils from the existing Bansha and Ballough school districts. Plans for a five-classroom school have been approved but it is now necessary to have the accommodation requirements reassessed in view of the decline in the attendance of the existing schools.

It is not possible for me to say, at this stage, when building work will commence.

Is the Minister aware of the concern of parents, pupils and teachers for their new school? Can the Minister give any indication when tenders will be sought for the erection of the new school?

As the Deputy is aware a site was offered in January 1969 and later a different site was offered. This involved a certain amount of work at local level, in the Office of Public Works and in the Department of Education. We have asked for proof of title of the new site and if the Deputy could use his good offices in this historic area, an area that all interested in the social development of rural Ireland should be interested in, to hasten the proof of title we will see what we can do at this end.

The Minister can rest assured that I will use my good offices but will he use his?

Indeed, I will. The Deputy can rest assured of that. I am just waiting for legal clearance.