asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position regarding the provision of a regional college in Castlebar, County Mayo.

I am aware of the decision by one of my predecessors, Deputy Boland, regarding the location of a regional technical college in Castlebar and I am satisfied as to the validity and strength of the case for such a college.

In view, however, of present economic circumstances it is necessary to review the implementation of all proposals involving future financial commitments. It is intended to carry out a full and exhaustive study, during 1983, of the needs of the situation and the priorities to be established as far as possible between competing claims.

I am not therefore in a position at this stage to offer additional observations in regard to the proposal for the provision of a regional technical college in Castlebar.

Is the Minister reiterating the definite commitment made by the previous Coalition to the siting of a new regional technical college at Castlebar regardless of the question of financial constraints?

I can only repeat the first part of my reply where I said that:

I am satisfied as to the validity and strength of the case for such a college.