Vol. 547 No. 1
1176 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in putting the building of the new Gaelscoil in Tipperary out to tender; if the money which was set aside in the last financial year is still available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1530/02]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is 153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
The provision of a new school building for Gaelscoil Thiobraid Árann is part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as it is possible to do so, under the expanded building programme.
