asked the Minister for Education if she is prepared to give financial assistance towards the provision of a new all-Irish secondary school to replace the existing structure at Ring, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Discussions are in progress between officials of my Department and County Waterford VEC regarding the provision of a replacement school, for the all-Irish post-primary school at Ring.

As this project is at the pre-planning stage and as a schedule of accommodation has yet to be agreed, the question of providing financial assistance does not arise at this stage.

Is the Minister aware that this school particularly in recent years has been extremely successful and that there is a necessity to expand the accommodation available and probably to provide a new school because of the difficulties with adjacent sites? With the growth in interest in all-Irish education in the area there is a great necessity to proceed with this project as quickly as possible. Is the Minister aware of the tremendous growth in interest in all-Irish education both at primary and second level?

I am aware of the success of the school and of the growth to which the Deputy refers. However, the project is only at the initial planning stage and this entails examining a schedule of accommodation and final agreement on a suitable site. Both matters have to be considered before any consideration can be given to making finance payable.

I am happy with the Minister's reply. I just hope that the initiative taken will continue as the various stages arise.