406 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education and Science when authorisation will be given to the building project for All Saints national school, Blackrock, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4209/02]

The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in pri mary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

All Saints national school is being refurbished and extended as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.