Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Austin Deasy

Question:

15 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant approval to the Light of Christ national school, Dunmore East, County Waterford, for the provision of a classroom for their remedial teacher, a medical room and a library, in view of the fact that all existing accommodation is taken up as a classroom space and the willingness of the school to initiate fundraising towards the cost of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7476/98]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

47 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is proposed to provide a classroom for a remedial teacher, a medical room and library at the Light of Christ national school, Dunmore East, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7523/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 47 together.

I am aware that the management of Light of Christ national school, Dunmore East, County Waterford, applied to my Department for grant assistance towards the provision of a classroom for a remedial teacher and a library-medical room. I understand the school which was built in 1991 currently has a library-medical room and that the remedial teacher, whose services are shared with three other schools, works from a room which was converted for this purpose.

While I acknowledge the converted room may not be ideal, the Deputies will appreciate that the demands for capital funding in the primary sector are considerable. The pace at which ancillary accommodation can be provided at primary schools is dictated by the financial resources available to me. The priority always has to be the provision of essential classroom accommodation and the elimination of sub-standard classrooms.

While I am not currently in a position to approve funding towards the proposed project, I can assure the Deputies that the needs of the school will be considered in the light of future capital allocations.