asked the Minister for Education if he has reached any decision in principle concerning the establishment of a regional technical college for the Dún Laoghaire/South County Dublin and North County Wicklow areas; and if any site considerations have as yet been decided by his Department.

: I have decided in principle that a regional technical college be built in the Dún Laoghaire/Shankill/Bray area.

I am at present having the matter examined with a view to deciding upon the best location for the college within this area.

: Has the Minister examined the proposal by the Dún Laoghaire VEC about the site available on the old Vincentian Fathers land in Blackrock? In view of the urgency about a departmental decision on this site, could the Minister say if sympathetic and favourable consideration has been given to that area?

: The Minister is aware of the availability of the site in that area. As I stated in my reply, I am having a look at that site and other sites in the Shankill and Bray areas as well.

: Has the Minister three sites in mind in examining the Shankill and Bray areas or two sites?

: There are three possibilities.

: When might a decision be taken on this matter?

: I could not give the Deputy the precise date, but it will be in the very near future.

: During the election campaign?

: All the Deputies in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area are extremely healthy.

: Question No. 23.

22.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the decision of Dun Laoghaire Vocational Education Committee concerning a proposal to acquire a site for the new Regional Technical College in Blackrock, County Dublin; and if he will approve the proposal of the Committee to locate the college there.

: I am aware that Dún Laoghaire Vocational Education Committee favour the acquisition of a site in Blackrock for the erection of a new regional technical college in south Dublin.

This is one of a number of sites which have been recommended to my Department. All the sites are being examined with a view to selecting the most suitable one for the new college. As soon as this examination has been completed, a decision will be taken as to the location of the college.