Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

162 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education the current status of an application for refurbishment of two prefab classrooms and the provision of water and toilet facilities at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; her views on whether the provision of water and toilet facilities is an urgent need for this school in view of the fact that children currently have to leave their prefabs to avail of such basic facilities; whether she has received a report from the Office of Public Works following a visit by an official from the Office to the school over two months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12179/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Office of Public Works have reported on the need to replace two prefabricated classrooms which are without toilet facilities or water. The replacement of the classrooms is desirable but due to the current level of contractual commitments in my Department it is not possible to grant-aid this project at the moment.

The Deputy will be aware that there were major cuts in the capital funding of primary schools in the 1988-92 period and, consequently, there is a backlog of deserving projects. There is continuing need to keep a tight control on public spending and it is not possible to fund all deserving projects simultaneously.