asked the Minister for Education the current position regarding the proposal to build a new technical college on the north side of Drogheda for Drogheda VEC; if finance has been provided in this year's Estimate for the project; the approximate cost; when work is due to commence; the number of pupils that the college will cater for; if he agrees that there is an urgent need for this college; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Town of Drogheda Vocational Education Committee are actively engaged in acquiring a site for the new school. When the site is available architectural planning will begin. The specific allocation of finance for particular school building projects does not arise until an advanced stage of planning has been reached. It would not be possible yet to indicate when building work will be commenced. The school will be planned to accommodate 400 pupils. The current approximate cost of designing, building and equipping a post-primary school of this size is £1.8 million. I agree it is desirable this new school be provided as soon as possible.

Is the Minister saying that the VEC have not as yet notified him of a site that has been identified?

I understand that the acquisition of a site has not been finalised. Sites may have been identified but the acquisition has not been finalised.