Vol. 471 No. 2
134 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the necessity to develop school grounds into proper recreational facilities in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; if she will set procedures in motion to have the grounds so developed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20592/96]
136 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education her views on whether a security fence is required to surround a school (details supplied) in County Wexford due to the vandalism at the school; if so, when such a fence will be erected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20594/96]
138 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the necessity to re-roof Coolcotts National School, Wexford, in spite of the fact that the school was built 13 years ago; the reason for the condition of the roof after 13 years; the action, if any, she proposes to take to ensure blame is apportioned and that costs are recovered; when the re-roofing will be carried out; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20596/96]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 134, 136 and 138 together.
Cost estimates were obtained for roof resurfacing and the provision of a security fence at the school to which the Deputy refers. In view of the scale of the cost estimates, my Department is currently obtaining a revised cost estimate based on a different specification to take account of the vandalism problem. In regard to development of the school grounds, my Department will re-examine the school's request for additional play space.
My Department will be in touch with the school management concerning both matters.
135 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Wexford has been designated as disadvantaged; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there is no home/school liaison teacher/officer; her views on whether there is a necessity for such a post; if so, if she will make such an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20593/96]
I am aware that the school in question has been designated as disadvantaged. I am also aware that the school is not currently included in the home school community liaison scheme.
Through its inclusion in the disadvantaged areas scheme, the school has been allocated an ex-quota concessionary teaching post. The school also receives special supplementary capitation funding which, in the current year, amounts to £30 per pupil.
The home-school community liaison scheme is focused on schools which already have disadvantaged area status. Where resources permit, schools are invited to participate in the scheme on the basis of priority of need. In selecting schools for inclusion in the scheme, particular regard is had to the prevailing levels of pupil participation in the education process and the level of parental involvement in the affairs of their local school.
137 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if she intends to include Gaelscoil Loch Garman on the capital outlay list for 1996; if she supports the location and purchase of a 2.5 acre site in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20595/96]
My Department is currently examining the overall accommodation in the Wexford Town centre. The purpose of this examination is to ascertain if there is surplus accommodation available which could be used to accommodate the Gaelscoil. This option must be given serious consideration before any commitment is given to provide a new school building. The Deputy will appreciate that it is incumbent on my Department to make the most effective use of public moneys, particularly at a time when the demand for capital expenditure exceeds available resources.
Where rationalisation in a centre is not feasible, a school is considered for inclusion in a future capital programme. The inclusion of a school in a programme would allow the Department to pursue the acquisition of a site.
Pending the outcome of the present examination in Wexford, I am not in a position to consider Gaelscoil Loch Garman for inclusion in a capital programme or, consequently, to authorise purchase of a site.
