169 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Education when she will grant permission to Cork County Vocational Educational Committee to invite tenders for the extension of five classrooms and toilet facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [5871/97]

An extension is currently being planned for this school. Architectural planning is proceeding and my Department's technical staff are currently examining the combined stage 4/5 submission for this project. When this submission has been approved, the question of inviting tenders will then be considered. At this stage, it is not possible to indicate when the project will proceed to construction as this will depend on the availability of funding and the Department's other commitments and priorities. However, every effort is being made to have the planning of the extention completed as soon as possible with a view to being in a position to invite tenders as soon as funding is available.

171 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will include the extension of Ballyboughal national school in the schedule of works for 1997 as a matter of urgency. [5874/97]

As the finances for 1997 are fully committed, it is not possible to sanction grant assistance towards the cost of an extension at Ballyboughal national school. This matter will be considered in the light of future capital allocations.

172 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Education if she will urgently restore the already-agreed authorisation to Laois Vocational Educational Committee for the purchase of a playing field at St. Fergal's College, Rathdowney, in view of the new agreement reached with the landowner. [5875/97]

The question of providing additional playing facilities at Rathdowney vocational school is being considered by the post-primary building unit of my Department at present and the County Laois vocational education committee will be contacted as soon as a decision has been made.