I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 194 together.
Because of the considerable pressure on the capital available to my Department for the national schools building programme, my Department have been unable up to the present time to allocate funds for the proposed extension to Ballymurn national school, County Wexford.
I am aware that conditions at this school are unsatisfactory. I have asked my Department to consider as a matter of urgency a recent request from the school authorities that a classroom of traditional construction be provided in replacement of the existing prefabricated classroom. I have also asked that the possibility be immediately investigated of grant-aiding any improvements to essential facilities such as toilets which are capable to being implemented in the current year.
I shall keep the Deputies informed of developments.