Vol. 543 No. 2
804 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new Mercy school at Moun thawk, Tralee is already over-crowded; and his plans for the addition of eight further classrooms and additional canteen space. [26423/01]
An application for additional accommodation from the school in question has recently been received in the planning and building unit of my Department. The application is currently being examined and the school authorities will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
805 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the indicative budget for primary building projects in 2001, 2002 and 2003; if projects which are now in the pipeline, such as a project (details supplied), will not be delayed in their planning programme as a result of budgetary restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26424/01]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2001 is £92.6 million, 117.58 million. Decisions relating to the allocations for 2002 and 2003 will be taken in the context of the Estimates process for those years.
The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by this Government to the building programme at all levels. The allocation in the current year is £370.5 million, 470.4 million. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects, and it is my intention to continue this rate of progress in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and in meeting the needs of the present day.
Decisions relating to the rate of progress to construction of individual projects will be taken as in previous years in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes in the forthcoming Estimates.
