asked the Minister for Education, in respect of Rathfarnham parish national school, Dublin 16 whether a prefabricated building erected at the school has proved defective; whether it is the case that the school was not allowed to employ its own architect in relation to the installation of this building; whether the parents were required to hand over £29,000 in respect of planning fees in relation to this structure; whether they are being asked to make a further contribution to the repair of this structure in relation to the defective character in which they had no role or responsibility; and whether she will authorise the provision of a sound building without further call on the parents.
Written Answers. - Rathfarnham (Dublin) School.
134.
In 1979 a double unit prefabricated classroom was provided at Rathfarnham Parish National School, Dublin 16 with grant-aid from my Department and the necessary technical advice in this regard was provided by the Office of Public Works in accordance with the Rules for National Schools. In 1987 the school authorities submitted an engineer's report which indicated that there were defects in the structure. The Department's professional staff examined the matter and recommended that certain improvement works be carried out generally in line with the school's engineer's recommendation. The Department indicated to the school authorities that a grant would be sanctioned towards the cost of the works. Under the Rules for National Schools a local contribution is required in relation to any works eligible for grant. This grant offer was not acceptable to the school authorities.
I have recently approved the provision of a permanent extension to the school and I have written to the school authorities in the matter. My Department will contact the school's consultants at an early date to discuss the further arrangements for the project.
The expenditure incurred by the school authorities on scale professional fees will rank for grant at the level already approved and the school will not be at any loss in this regard.