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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Jim Higgins

Question:

45 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the minimum space regulations per pupil for primary schools; and the number of primary schools which do not comply with this regulation. [14845/98]

My Department does not utilise a space-per-pupil norm in primary schools. Instead, it is the practice to provide classrooms of 70 sq. metres in new schools, and extensions to existing schools.

The Education Research Centre is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review of the planning data which governs primary school facilities. Classroom size is a specific feature of the review and is being looked at in the context of curriculum developments and a reducing pupil teaching ratio. I expect that this review will be completed soon and it will strongly influence facilities to be provided in future years.

I am aware that individual school managements reorganise their classroom accommodation regularly to take account of departing classes, and new enrolments. In the circumstances, it is not feasible for my Department to have detailed information on the accommodation usage in all schools. However, where schools seek grant-aid from my Department for additional accommodation, the applications are considered on their merits in the context of available capital resources.

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