asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the pre-fabricated classroom at Ballinameela national school, Cappagh, County Waterford, is in an extremely dilapidated condition; and when he intends to sanction a permanent extension to this school.

As stated in the reply of 19 March 1981 to the Deputy's previous question, it has been decided to extend Ballinameela national school, County Waterford, and the Commissioners of Public Works have been asked to prepare sketch-plans. It will be necessary to secure an extension to the school site to accommodate the building extension and the Rev. Chairman has been asked to acquire the necessary site extension.

With regard to the prefabricated classrooms my Department have sanctioned a grant towards the cost of improvements and repairs as recommended by the Commissioners of Public Works.

Assuming the manager gets the site, how soon does the Minister think work can commence on the permanent extensions?

As the Deputy is aware, there is then a whole sequence of activities. We must agree the plans and that involves a lot of toing and froing with the Office of Public Works, the school authorities and my Department. I would not like to put a precise date on it. It will be taken as quickly as circumstances permit. I am certainly not in a position to give a permanent date.

We all know from previous experience that it has taken up to 20 years for such a sequence of events to take place. I would like the Minister to pursue the matter because the school is in a desperate state at present.

I accept that. The Deputy can be assured that the matter will be dealt with as speedily as possible so far as my Department are involved.

21.