Vol. 467 No. 7
181 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education the action, if any, she will take to meet the requirement for the provision of school furniture at a disadvantaged school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in view of the fact that sixth class tables are in a state of almost total disrepair; her views on whether it would be fair for the school to provide this furniture from its own resources; and the options available to address the problem. [13953/96]
An application for replacement furniture for the school referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department in February 1996. My Department replied advising that the funds allocated this year were already fully committed.
At present, I am not in a position to provide grant-aid to the school for new furniture. In January next, a new grant scheme will come into effect under which national schools will receive £2,000 plus £9 per pupil for capital works and furniture supplies. Under the new scheme, the school will receive approximately £5,000 and it may use this money to provide new furniture. This new scheme has been widely welcomed and I believe it will be of great benefit to schools.
