Vol. 432 No. 6
229 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the research, if any, that has been undertaken on the value of the provision of prefabricated accommodation in place of standard classroom accommodation; her views on whether prefabricated accommodation is satisfactory; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The provision of prefabricated classrooms has played a role over the years in meeting the demand for essential teaching accommodation, often at short notice. There is a perception that prefabricated buildings are not a solution to meeting accommodation needs. This preception often reflects experience of the older type of prefab rather than the modern equivalent.
I accept that some prefabricated accommodation has reached or is nearing the end of its useful life and my objective is to replace such accommodation with permanent accommodation where future requirements justify this.
The Programme for Government states:
We will allocate an increased amount in each of the next five years to implement a planned programme of replacing or refurbishing sub-standard school buildings.
