asked the Minister for Education when tenders for the construction of the sports hall for Birr Community School, County Offaly, will be advertised.

I hope to be inviting the tenders in question in the near future.

5.

asked the Minister for Education when applications will be invited for the post of Principal, Vice-Principal and teachers in the Birr Community School, County Offaly, and the selection procedure to be adopted for each of the above positions.

Applications for the posts referred to will be invited soon. It is normal practice, of course, that the staffs of the three existing schools in Birr be offered assimilation into the staff of the new school. Accordingly, only those posts remaining vacant after this will be advertised.

The selection procedures depend on the outcome of the negotiations regarding the terms of the deed of trust for Community Schools. Should these negotiations not be completed in time it will be necessary to make appropriate alternative arrangements for the selection of teachers.

Who will be responsible for making the alternative arrangements?

The Minister for Education.

Is the Minister aware of the concern of the parents, the pupils and the teachers in Birr regarding the opening of this community school in September? Can the Minister assure the House that Birr Community School will actually open in September in view of the fact that it is ready to be opened?

I am aware of the concern. If I were not aware the Deputies from the area would make me aware of it. It is my firm intention to open the school by September.