asked the Minister for Education when the extension to Farran National School, County Cork, will commence.

I understand from the Commissioners of Public Works that working drawings have been completed and that it is expected that tenders will be invited soon. At this stage it is not possible to say when work will commence.

Is the Minister aware of the serious overcrowding in this school? To say that tenders will be invited soon is not a satisfactory answer. The parents of the children concerned want an indication when the work will commence.

When the Deputy reads the answer—I am sure that he will be sending it in haste to the Cork Examiner—he will see that tenders are expected.

I will not be sending it to the Cork Examiner. I am trying to get information on behalf of the parents of the children attending the school.

The Minister should give the Deputy the information asked for.

Deputy Barry usually manages to keep his temper but he is in a bad mood today.

I am always more courteous than the Minister.

Thanks be to God the Deputy is not like the rest of men.

I do not make snide remarks.

Can the Minister indicate when the work will commence?

Tenders will be invited soon.

When?

As the Deputy knows, working drawings have to be completed. When they have been completed and checked with the local management, tenders will be invited, which will be quite soon.

First it was "soon", now it is "quite soon".