asked the Minister for Education when it is proposed to start the construction work on the new community school at passage West, County Cork.

Tenders are presently being examined by my department for the new community school at Passage West. Until the contract is awarded it is not possible to give a precise date for the commencement of construction work on this site.

I am aware that some difficulties existed regarding fire regulations. However that matter was cleared up some months ago. I am disappointed the Minister cannot give me a date for the construction of the school. The Department are dragging their feet on this matter. Everything was cleared months ago and the Minister is aware of that. Surely at this stage he can say something positive about a date for the commencement of construction?

Tenders were invited for this projects some time ago and the preliminary report on them was available in October this year. There was some difficulty with external works and costings and these matters are still being discussed by the professional people involved. When that has been dealt with the question of placing a tender will then arise.

What problems exist regarding construction? What problems are there between the advisers?

They relate to the cost of external works. I am not in a position to comment in detail on the specifics of what is involved. The discussions between the proffessional people involved are nearing completion and when they are concluded we will be in a position to discuss the matter of placing a tender.

Can the Minister anticipate when? Will it be before Christmas or will it be early January?

Before the election.

I am not in a position to give blind dates. I prefer to tell the people where they stand. When the discussions are concluded we will be in a position to discuss when the tender can be placed.