Vol. 513 No. 6
168 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the specific steps, if any, he will take to meet the commitment given in the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium that all school buildings will meet minimum standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3172/00]
The level of funding for primary and post-primary school accommodation has been increased from £72.5 million in 1997 to £181 million in 2000. This has resulted in significant progress being made in the elimination of substandard accommodation in the recent past. It is my intention to continue to accord high priority to this area.
In that regard, arrangements are under way for the conducting of a comprehensive survey of accommodation at primary and post primary levels to determine more accurately the level of need among schools. It is envisaged that within the next year or so, every school in the State will be visited by suitably qualified personnel who will thoroughly inspect the condition of each school and report findings to my Department. This information will be used to target funding more precisely where the need is greatest.
In addition to the measures outlined above, in recent years, a devolved grant amounting £12 million per annum has been introduced at primary level. The purpose of this grant is to enable school authorities to undertake minor improvement works at a local level without further departmental involvement.
169 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to the provision of physical education halls at Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass and Arklow community college, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3329/00]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the schedule for provision of additional accommodation at Arklow Community College includes provision for a PE facility of 608mf7>2 with ancillary accommodation in excess of 200mf7>2.
Concerning the provision of a PE facility at Scoil Chonglais, a revised stage 3 submission, developed sketch scheme, has recently been requested from County Wicklow VEC. As soon as this revised submission is received, the matter will be considered further.
