Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 7

Written Answers. - Provision of PE Hall

Liam Lawlor

Question:

199 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20 is not included in her Department's programme for the provision of sports halls and gyms in view of the fact that the school was a priority case in 1987 when construction of a sports hall was deferred due to financial constraints; the reason other schools have been given greater priority than this school, which has the same student numbers as in 1987; if she will review the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15996/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach):

Because of limited capital resources, it is not possible to provide PE halls in all schools which have applied for these facilities over the years. The decision to include certain schools in the 1995-96 capital programme was taken as a result of detailed studies into all the applicants' particular cases, taking account also of educational requirements.

The question of providing a PE hall at the school referred to by the Deputy can only be considered in the context of the capital available for post-primary building purposes generally. Because of the huge demand for additional classroom accommodation in schools throughout the country, I am not in a position at this stage to say when a PE hall will be provided in this particular case.

However, the Deputy can be assured that, should financial circumstances permit, the school will be given every consideration.