Paul McGrath
Question:281 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when replies to parliamentary questions tabled for 26 January 2000 will be available; and the reason for the continued delay in answering these questions. [6585/00]
Written Answers. - Parliamentary Questions.
One of the Deputy's questions on 26 January 2000 sought the appointment of an additional classroom assistant for a special school in Mullingar. It was indicated to the Deputy on that occasion that the school's application for extra classroom assistant support was being examined by my Department's inspectorate and that the school would be advised of the outcome. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an additional classroom assistant post was allocated to the school on 28 February 2000.
Twelve questions related to matters within my Department's planning and building unit.
Question No. 1393 concerning a new community college in Castlepollard, together with Question No. 1384 concerning funding for road safety measures, were answered.
Due to industrial action, it was not possible to answer the remaining ten questions at that date. However, I am now pleased to inform the Deputy that the information sought in each of the remaining 11 questions is as follows.
Question No. 1389 concerning the appointment of additional classroom assistants to a special school in Mullingar.
The reply of 26 January 2000 indicated to the Deputy on that occasion that the school's application for extra classroom assistant support was being examined and that the school would be advised of the outcome. An additional classroom assistant post was allocated to the school on 28 February 2000.
Question No. 1390 concerning the provision of an additional classroom at Clonmellon national school.
Architectural planning for additional accommodation is proceeding in the case of Clonmellon national school.
Question No. 1391 concerning the proposals made for road safety works at Taughmon national school.
It is expected that tenders will issue shortly for the relevant works at Carley (Taughmon) national school.
Question No. 1392 concerning the provision of a PE hall at Mullingar community college.
An application for the provision of a PE hall at Mullingar community college has been received.
Within the building unit currently, plans are at an advanced stage for the development of standard plans for PE halls. Once finalised, it is intended to use these standard plans to expedite the architectural planning of individual PE hall projects. The application for a PE hall at Mullingar Community College will be progressed in this manner.
Question No. 1395 concerning additional car parking spaces at St. Etchen's national school, Kinnegad.
Individual schools authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. While my Department is prepared to consider applications from school authorities for grant aid towards improving security arrangements at individual schools, grant aid is not available for works outside the vested area of the school.
The position in relation to additional car parking spaces at St. Etchen's national school, Kinnegad is that my Department has been in touch with the chairperson and a consultant has been approved to prepare a development plan for the immediate area. When this has been received, the matter will be considered further.
Question No. 1396 concerning the provision of a new primary school at Coralstown, County Westmeath.
Architectural planning has commenced for a new three classroom school at Coralstown, County Westmeath.
Question No. 1397 concerning proposed capital works at Dysart national school.
The long-term accommodation needs of the school are being assessed.
Question No. 1398 concerning additional classrooms space at Dalystown national school.
The long-term accommodation needs of the school are being assessed.
Question No. 1399 concerning funding for additional science laboratories and other facilities for Loreto College, Mullingar.
An application for the provision of additional accommodation at Loreto College is at the early stages of architectural planning. While it is not possible at this stage to provide a timescale for the completion of architectural planning, every effort will be made to expedite this process.
Question No. 1400 concerning the taking of stages 4/5 of architectural planning of St. Mary's College, Mullingar.
Approval to prepare a combined stage 4/5 submission in respect of St. Mary's College, Mullingar has been given to the school's managerial authorities.