Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

177 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education the action, if any, she proposes to take to ensure that sufficient classroom accommodation is available for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14, which has already has agreement in principle from her Department that additional classroom accommodation is needed for September 1997; her views on whether this school has been responsible and prudent in planning for the educational needs for the children in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10688/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has agreed in principle to the provision of additional permanent accommodation at the school referred to by the Deputy.

I agree that the school has been responsible and prudent in planning for the educational needs of the children. The Deputy will be aware that there were major cuts in the capital funding primary schools in the 1988-92 period and, consequently, despite improvements in funding since 1993, there is a backlog of deserving projects.

I will keep expenditure on the primary school building programme under review and this school will receive every consideration at the appropriate time. In the meantime, my Department has put proposals to the school in respect of short-term needs.