Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1993

Vol. 434 No. 2

Written Answers. - Naas (Kildare) College.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

418 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she will review the case submitted by St. Mary's College, Naas, County Kildare, for grant aid towards the provision of extra facilities at the college in view of the fact that a precedent already exists wherein a Departmental grant was made available for extension works to a school where the works had been carried out without Departmental authorisation; her views on whether the work in this instance was carried out in a satisfactory manner; her views on whether the cost of the facilities at St. Mary's College represents good value for money; if the needs of the college were previously established; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Except in rare exceptional circumstances school buildings provided without the prior agreement of my Department do not qualify for grant assistance under the scheme of capital grants for secondary schools. The question of retrospective grant for the sports hall at St. Mary's Secondary School has been considered and having regard to all the circumstances I am satisfied that payment of a grant is not warranted.

As my Department had no involvement in the provision of the sports hall, other than at the preliminary stage of planning, it is not possible to comment as to whether the project was carried out in a satisfactory manner or whether it represents good value for money.

When the requirements of the college were established in 1985 it was agreed that there was a need for a sports hall. Subsequently, however, as with all similar proposals, the provision of the sports hall had to be deferred as all available financial resources were needed to provide essential teaching spaces.