asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the provision of (i) two primary schools at Ballydehob and at Crossmahon and (ii) a vocational school at Bantry, County Cork.

: With regard to Ballydehob primary school, I understand from the Commissioners of Public Works that due to difficulty in obtaining a suitable site for a school they have recommended that the existing school be extended or, alternatively, that the existing school be demolished and a new school erected on the site plus a site extension. The school authorities have been advised to engage an architect to examine the proposed development at the site of the existing school and I understand from the commissioners that a report is awaited.

With regard to the proposed new primary school at Crossmahon, the Commissioners of Public Works have been authorised to allow this project to proceed to tender.

I have approved the commencement of work on the new vocational school at Bantry, County Cork.

: Is the Minister aware that the question of a school at Ballydehob has existed for a number of years? One school is needed for the Catholic population there but all types of excuses were made about the matter down the years. Is the Minister also aware that the Protestant community have lodged an application for a new school? That community require a new building and because of the number of children attending the existing school they have an unanswerable case for proper accommodation. Two schools are needed for Ballydehob for the different religious denominations.

: I accept that the difficulty with regard to the site has been a stumbling block and a delaying factor but the planning officials are going ahead with meeting this very difficult situation in regard to a site. I accept what the Deputy has said with regard to the need for another school but I do not have any details on that matter here.

: Will the Minister ask the commissioners to expedite their reports on the schools? Will he also be kind enough to write to me about the application from the Church of Ireland authorities for a new school at Ballydehob since he does not seem to have that information in his brief?

: As a question was not asked directly about it I would not have it in my brief.

: It mentions two primary schools.

: Two primary schools at Ballydehob and Crossmahon?

: No, two primary schools at Ballydehob.

: If I did not read the question the way the Deputy read it, I apologise.

: Will the Minister write to me about it?

: There is lots of good news.