asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposed extension to Derrybeg national school, County Donegal.

Tenders were invited in respect of this extension in September 1982, but the response was not satisfactory and it was found necessary to reinvite tenders in December 1982. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 1 February 1983 and the tenders received are now being examined.

When would the Minister hope that a contractor would be appointed?

The closing date for the receipt of tenders was 1 February last. Subject to receipt of a satisfactory tender we will be in a position to make a recommendation to the Department of Education with regard to the extension in question.

Is the Minister saying that he would hope that this work would commence early this year?

I did not quite catch the Deputy's question.

Is the Minister of State implying that the work may start in the middle of 1983?

The closing date for the receipt of tenders was 1 February 1983. Those tenders are being examined. Subject to the receipt of a satisfactory tender we will be in a position to ask the Department of Education to give us permission to go ahead.

8.