asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the deplorable conditions that exist at the Convent of Mercy secondary school, Ballina, County Mayo; if so, if she considers that the delay caused by her Department seeking technical alterations to the bill of quantities for the proposed building project is in the best interests of the teachers and pupils who are required to work in substandard and overcrowded conditions; and if she will now accept the amended bill of quantities lodged in early October 1984, and sanction the project so that it can go to tender with a view to starting work on the building in March 1985.
Written Answers. - Mayo Schools.
661.
The bills of quantities relating to the Convent of Mercy secondary school, Ballina, County Mayo, have been examined and found acceptable. However, pending the completion of a review of the overall second level school building programme, in the context of the available capital, commitments and priorities, I am not in a position to say when tenders may be invited or when work on the project may be commenced.
662.
asked the Minister for Education the latest date for receipt of tenders for the extension to Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina, County Mayo; the reason for the delay in selecting a contractor; and if she will now sanction a contractor to enable work on this badly needed extension to commence at an early date.
There has been no delay in my Department in selecting a contractor for this project. The final report on the tenders was received from the school authority on 20 November 1984 and is under examination. Approval for the placing of the contract and for the commencement of work will be conveyed to the school manager as soon as this examination has been completed and the successful contractor has obtained the necessary insurance bond.
663.
asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction the preparations of the bill of quantities for the construction of extensions to St. Muredach's College, Ballina, County Mayo.
This project is still at an early stage of planning. Documentation relating to both the developed sketch scheme and the working drawings must be examined and found to be satisfactory before consideration can be given to authorising the preparation of the bills of quantities.