asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the school building programme and if he will make a statement on the matter.

My Department are involved in a comprehensive school building programme in 1980 at all levels.

I would draw the attention of the Deputy to my statement in regard to the provision in the Estimates for 1980 for capital expenditure which I made on 9 May 1980 in reply to the debate on the Estimates—Volume 320 No. 8, columns 1353 to 1356.

Very satisfactory, progress is being achieved to date in 1980 in relation to all building projects in hand.

Is the Minister aware that a letter requesting a meeting regarding the school building programme was sent by the Galway VEC to the Minister on 1 May and had not been answered up to last week?

I am not so aware and if the Deputy comes to me I will see that he gets the information.

I would like the Minister to examine the matter.

Was the letter in regard to the building programme?

Yes, because of the lack of commitment by the Government towards the building programme.

That is the propaganda bit.

It is not. If I wanted to make propaganda I could speak for a long time on this matter.

Question Nos. 31 and 32 are postponed and Question No. 33 has been answered. Questions Nos. 34, 35 and 36 are for written reply and Question No. 37 is postponed. I am calling Question No. 38.