asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in the payment of the £33,000 due to be paid to the board of management of Knockbridge national school, County Louth, following the provision of prefabs at that location; and if this payment will be made by his Department before the end of February 1985.

12.

asked the Minister for Finance when the payment of moneys due to the board of management of Knockbridge national school, County Louth, will be made in respect of the provision of prefabs at the school.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.

There was no undue delay in the issue of payments in this case.

Work on the erection of the four prefabricated classrooms at Knockbridge, County Louth, was virtually completed on 7 December 1984. Following an inspection by the Office of Public Works, Dundalk District Office, of the work carried out, a substantial payment was made on 31 January 1985.

A small portion of the grant has been held pending the completion of some minor building works and a satisfactory inspection of the electrical works.

Is the Minister aware that many boards of management throughout the country are in very severe——

These questions refer to one school.

I am coming to it.

Start with it, please.

The accounts of the board of management are running into very serious trouble because of the delay in the Minister's Department in regard to inspection and the payment of moneys for school work generally. Could the Minister comment on that?

I do not accept the Deputy's point in regard to the school in question and his statement is without foundation. The school was completed in December; Christmas and new year holidays intervened but most of the payment was made on 31 January.