I should like to deal with national schools. National school works are carried out to the requirements of the Department of Education who finalise all projects. Time must be allotted to the Office of Public Works to prepare plans and specifications. There is no delay in my Department in preparing these plans and specifications. Expenditure from my Department on national schools in 1976 was £10 million; in 1979, £17 million and in 1980 it is £23.5 million. This is an increase of 130 per cent in expenditure on repair and improvement of national schools.
Deputy Begley spoke of local authorities that had granted planning permissions which were being held up by my Department. I should like to advise the Deputy that the National Monuments Advisory Council act entirely independent of the Board of Works in relation to the Planning Act. My Department is not responsible for any delay.
The Deputy also raised the matter of bar accommodation in this House. If the Deputy consults representatives from his party on the Restaurant Committee he will find out the plans we have for the restoration of the bar.