156 Mr. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education if the application for a grant for a much needed refurbishment of a school (details supplied) will be approved; if so, when. [5735/97]

An application for improvement works to the school referred to by the Deputy has been received in my Department.

The local Office of Public Works will be requested to examine the school building and to furnish a report and recommendation on the matter as soon as possible. On receipt of this report a decision on the provision of grant-aid towards the cost of improvement works will be taken in the context of existing project commitments for 1997 and the funding available.

I am not in a position to say when the works will commence.