Vol. 425 No. 7
562 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if she will initiate an intensive programme of primary school building construction in view of the appalling conditions of some old schools, some of which have been condemned; the number of such schools that have been drawn to her attention; if the position in Cork is reflective of the country at large; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that there are many national schools in which the physical conditions need to be improved. This situation is not confined to any one part of the country and I have no evidence that the position in Cork is other than reflective of the general position.
In recognition, of this, the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97 provides for an increased amount in each of the next five years to implement a planned programme of replacing or refurbishing substandard school buildings.
This programme will build on the progress already made in recent years and which should be acknowledged. Over £84 million has been spent over the past five years on the upgrading of national school premises. Over 230 major capital projects were completed and over 6,800 individual grants were paid for emergencies and for minor capital works, more than two grants per school on average. Over 50 major projects were under construction at the end of 1992 and some 150 other projects are at various stages of architectural planning.
