Vol. 474 No. 2
75 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education the stage of building of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; if her attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at the school in view of major growth in the enrolment at this school recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2665/97]
A new vocational school to cater for 450 pupils is currently being planned for the location in question. County Cork vocational education committee has submitted their proposed design team and a stage 1 report for this project. These documents are currently being examined by my Department's technical staff. A response will be conveyed to County Cork vocational education committee as soon as possible and a planning and briefing meeting will then be convened in order to discuss this project.
At this stage, it is not possible to indicate when the project will proceed to construction as this will depend on the availability of funding and the Department's other commitments and priorities. However, every effort is being made to have the planning of the new school completed as soon as possible with a view to being in a position to invite tenders as soon as funding is available.
76 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education if she will make the necessary funding available to a school (details supplied) in County Cork to cover the cost of furnishing and equipping new laboratories. [2666/97]
My Department's post primary building unit has received an application for grant aid toward the cost of furnishing and equipping new science laboratories from the authorities of the school in County Cork referred to by the Deputy.
