91 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education if she will approve a design team in order to proceed with the amalgamation of the Presentation Convent secondary school and Saint Joseph's boys secondary school, Portarlington, County Laois in view of the fact the latter is in a deplorable state; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13829/96]

Approval has been granted for the establishment of a coeducational secondary school for Portarlington, County Laois, through the merger of Scoil Mhuire Presentation Convent and St. Joseph's Christian Brothers School.

The new school will cater for a longterm enrolment of 675 pupils, and additional accommodation of 2,472 square metres is to be provided.

The question of appointing a design team for the project is being considered by the Post Primary Building Unit of my Department at present. Following the appointment of a design team, architectural planning for the proposed building project will commence.