179 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on the building of the permanent 20 classroom school building at Lucan Educate Together national school, Willsbrook, Lucan, County Dublin (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12757/02]

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 primary 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.

A new school building is being provided for Lucan Educate Together national school at Willsbrook, Lucan, County Dublin, as part of the Government's programme. The final stages of architectural planning are currently being examined and when this examination is complete my Department's building unit will in contact with the school authorities.

180 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding has been approved for the construction of a new gaelscoil in Mullingar, County Westmeath; if so, the date of this approval; the amount approved; and when he expects construction to start on this project. [12786/02]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that tenders will shortly be invited for the provision of a new eight classroom school for Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn, County Westmeath.