Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - County Kildare School Accommodation.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

66 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the serious problems being caused at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare due to a lack of classroom accommodation; her views on whether the school requires an additional floor area of 1,224m² in order to comply with her Department's regulations on floor ratio per pupil as set down in 1988; and if she will give a commitment to extend the accommodation at the school so that teachers can carry out their functions in a proper manner.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

194 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she has received a formal request for the provision of extra accommodation at the Patrician School, Newbridge, County Kildare; if she will accept the urgent need to provide this accommodation in the current year; if she will make the necessary financial provision to meet these requirements; when the necessary work will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

195 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education whether she has received a formal request for the provision of extra accommodation at the Patrician School, Newbridge, County Kildare; her views on whether there is a need to provide this accommodation in the current year; if she will make the financial provision to meet this requirement; when she expects the work to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 194 and 195 together.

My Department's Planning and Building Unit has recently received a formal application for additional accommodation at this school.

The accommodation requirements of the school are currently being examined in the context of all the relevant building, educational and financial factors. A decision on the matter will be conveyed to the school authorities as soon as possible.

With regard to the Deputy's reference to floor area per pupil there is no Department regulation which specifies a minimum floor area per pupil. In assessing a school's accommodation requirements full account is taken of the number and suitability of teaching spaces available, the number of pupils and teachers to be accommodated, and the school's educational programme. Pending this assessment I am not in a position to indicate how the school's needs can best be met.