305 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Finance the progress which has been made by his Department in regard to the purchase of a site for the building of the new national school for Charleville national school; if a site has been purchased; if it is the property of the Office of Public Works; and when building of this school will commence. [25927/01]

The Commissioners of Public Works act as agent on behalf of the Department of Education and Science in the acquisition of sites for new school facilities. Title to such sites is vested in the name of the Minister for Education and Science. The commissioners have no role in the development stage of school buildings.

A suitable site for Charleville national school has been identified and agreement reached with the vendors of this proposed site. Details were passed to the Department of Education and Science on 24 October 2001 for its approval and authorisation to complete the acquisition.