asked the Minister for Education if he will authorise the carrying out of essential repairs to Cullen national school, County Tipperary.

No application has been received from the school authorities in regard to this matter.

I have been reliably informed by a responsible person in the Cullen area that a request was made to the Department for the carrying out of essential repairs to Cullen national school. I cannot understand how the Minister can say now that he is not aware of any such request.

I am afraid the Deputy will have to accept my word. That no application has been received from the school authorities in regard to this matter is the reply I have here.

Will the Minister inquire into the need for essential repairs? It is a relatively new school and essential repairs are necessary to protect the building from the wind and rain.

I will do as the Deputy has asked but I would point out that in the first instance the onus is on the board of management.

I understand they have already made an application to the Department.

No, it has not been received.