asked the Minister for Education when the board of management of Hacketstown national school can expect a positive response to their application for a renewal of existing facilities and a necessary extension; and if he will make a statement in response to the report submitted by the area schools inspector regarding the very substandard facility in evidence there.

In June 1983 my Department sanctioned a grant towards the cost of certain improvements to Hacketstown national school, County Carlow. My Department subsequently agreed in principle with the school authorities to grant-aid a combined scheme of improvements and extension to the school, for which a scheme has now been prepared by the Department's professional staff.

My Department hope shortly to communicate with the school authorities regarding the matter.