142 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the prolonged delay in the commencement of work on the Mountmellick Community School Project; when work will resume; if she will ensure that her officials will have further consultation with the management and teaching staff in advance of completion of the project to ensure that the maximum return is obtained from the money provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13423/95]

Building work commenced at Mountmellick community school in August 1994. It was originally intended that work would be completed by the end of April 1995. In early April 1995 the main contractor ceased work on site, leaving approximately three weeks work outstanding.

Unfortunately, because of a complex series of legal and other difficulties that arose as a result of the termination of the original contract, it proved impossible to have the building ready for the beginning of the school year in September.

However, the difficulties relating to the contract have now been resolved and it is anticipated that the replacement contractor will be on site within the next few days. It is expected that the remaining building work will take about one month to complete.