asked the Minister for Education when he proposes to sanction the extension to the Sacred Heart secondary school, Tullamore, County Offaly.

651.

asked the Minister for Education if he will approve the final documents for the proposed extension to the Convent secondary school Tullamore, County Offaly, and allow it to go for tender.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 651 together.

The bill of quantities for the Sacred Heart Secondary School, Convent of Mercy, Tullamore, County Offaly, has been submitted to my Department for examination. The question of giving sanction for the issue of tenders arises only after examination of the bill of quantities has been completed and the bill has been accepted as satisfactory. I am not yet in a position to indicate precisely when such sanction may be given in this case but I anticipate that I may be in a position to do so in the reasonably near future.

652.

asked the Minister for Education the present position concerning the proposed extension to St. Columba's CBS secondary school, Tullamore, County Offaly.

Commencement of architectural planning of an extension for St. Columba's Secondary School was authorised in June 1981. Submission of the outline sketch scheme by the school authorities is at present awaited.

653.

asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the very strong local reaction to the proposed closure of Cadamstown national school, Birr, County Offaly, in June 1982; and if he is prepared to reverse the decision.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 315 on 4 November 1981.

An officer of my Department met the parents of the Cadamstown school district on 3 November at their request for a discussion of the matter. I shall give due consideration to the officer's written report on the meeting.