Vol. 443 No. 4
217 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the capital allocation in her Department's Estimates over the past five years; the procedure for a school to avail of funds for a purpose-built room in order to enhance or extend its curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The capital allocation for second-level education in my Departments estimates for the past five years is as follows: 1990, £18.625 million; 1991, £18.625 million; 1992, £17.225 million; 1993, £24.5 million; 1994, £37 million.
A school wishing to obtain funding for a building project must submit an application to the planning and building unit of my Department.
Assessment of the application involves a detailed examination of the school's accommodation requirements having regard to pupil numbers, the suitability of existing accommodation, the school's educational programme and its curricular policy. When agreement is reached on the school's needs and how they can best be met, architectural planning proceeds. When the project is ready to proceed to construction its inclusion on the building programme is considered in the light of all relevant educational, financial and architectural factors.
