asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding the proposed extension or renovation of Tory Island national school, County Donegal.

My Department have already sanctioned a grant for the provision of pupil and teacher toilets at the Tory Island national school, County Donegal. The position with regard to other items in respect of which grant application was made is that a number of these fall into the category of repairs, and it is expected that the school should be able to meet the cost of capitation grant payable in respect of the pupils' attendance. In as much as other items conform to the definition of improvements which are eligible for capital grants, my Department are prepared in principle to grant-aid these and at present are awaiting a report from their local architectural adviser as to what work should be given priority. As soon as the report has been received and considered, my Department will communicate with the school authorities.

Does the Minister appreciate that this school cannot be classed like others in the country? The school management cannot meet the cost out of capital grants, and would the Minister ensure that a 100 per cent grant would be made available because there is no money on the island to pay the Department or the contractor?

We have a system whereby schools like that on Tory will get very favourable consideration when it comes to local contributions. In schools of the category referred to by the Deputy, the local contribution is negotiable with the Department and due allowance is made for all relevant circumstances. However, there would be no question of providing a 100 per cent grant for schools of that kind, but there would be a favourable response to any recommendations made by the school management.

Does the Minister accept that this application has been with the Department for a considerable time? Would he try to expedite the architect's report and as soon as it is available will he see to it that the grant will be sanctioned?

As soon as the architect's report is available negotiations will start with the school management in regard to the local contribution. On the basis of agreement on that, the amount of the grant will be determined. I do not foresee any undue delay in this case.