Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Question:

171 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if schools in rural areas which embark upon significant building projects, costing in the region of £125,000, are compelled to have the 10% contribution for such projects; the circumstances under which his Department will reduce this contribution to a more manageable sum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29392/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Under the new funding arrangements for building projects introduced in January 1999, the amount of the local contribution for school extensions or refurbishment was reduced from 15% to 10% and, in addition, the contribution was capped at £25,000 or 31,743.45. The local contribution for a new school building is 5% of the capital cost subject to a maximum of £50,000 or 63,486.90. These arrangements are of a general application and it is not open to my Department to depart from them in individual cases.

Willie Penrose

Question:

172 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve an application for increased accommodation by Sonna national school, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29393/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

My Department has received an application for improved accommodation at Sonna national school.

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 or 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 under take a record number of building projects. 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, including the proposed project at Sonna national school, will be taken as in previous years in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes and when all budget decisions have been taken by the Government.