Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Michael Noonan

Question:

339 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the accommodation crisis facing a national school in Limerick (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school is growing considerably at the moment and that they are relying on the use of four prefabricated buildings; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the teaching staff in the school has increased by almost 50% since the school opened with no increase in accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29838/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department is aware of the accommodation situation at the school in question and earlier this year grant aid was approved for two additional temporary rooms. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by the Government to the building programme at all levels. The allocation in the current year is £370.5 million, 470.4 million. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects and it is my intention to continue this rate of progress in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and in meeting current needs.

Decisions relating to the rate of progress to construction of individual projects, including a proposed project for permanent accommodation at the school to which the Deputy refers, will be taken as in previous years in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes and when all budget decisions have been taken by the Government.