250 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, being made to sanction an Outreach school at Newport, County Mayo, under the auspices of Mayo vocational education committee; whether she has received the report of her officials who met with members of the local community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24465/96]

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 139 on Tuesday, 3 December 1996, an in-depth examination of the proposal to provide a post primary facility in Newport, County Mayo is under way at present. As part of the process, an official from the planning section of my Department visited the area recently and met a deputation in the matter. As soon as this examination is completed and a report submitted to me, I will be in a position to give a decision on the application.