Vol. 486 No. 1
836 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent report by the INTO regarding primary schools which are inadequate, particularly schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the plans, if any, he has to invest in the refurbishment of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1225/98]
I am aware of the recent report published by the INTO regarding substandard schools. In this context, I would point to the very significant increase on funding for primary capital projects contained in the 1998 Estimates.
The manager of the first school referred to by the Deputy applied to my Department for grant assistance towards the cost of improvement works to the play area and my Department has approved funding towards the cost of the proposed works.
The manager of the second school referred to by the Deputy has applied for grant assistance towards the cost of various improvement works. My Department's planning section is currently examining the long-term educational requirements in the area and has recently contacted the school authorities in this regard. As soon as this examination process is complete, my Department's building unit will contact the school authorities with a view to progressing the planning for the agreed project.
