Vol. 541 No. 4
134 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the total estimated value of commitments made to date for the school building programme; the capital provision for this programme in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22950/01]
151 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if progress has been made in dealing with the backlog of applications for school building projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23012/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 151 together.
Since taking office the Government has made very substantial capital investments in the education sector. More than £200 million was allocated for primary and post-primary school capital projects in the year 2000. This was increased to more than £220 million in 2001. The equivalent figure in 1993 was £46.5 million and in 1997, £72.3 million. The Deputies will therefore appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by the Government to the schools building programme at all levels.
There are currently more than 850 major school building projects at various stages of planning. Decisions relating to the rate of progress to construction of these projects will be taken in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes in 2002 and subsequent years. In addition, there are in excess of 200 school building projects currently under construction or nearing completion. These projects when completed will result in a substantial improvement in accommodation for the schools in question.
