Vol. 547 No. 1
1240 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the situation in relation to Gaelscoil Charman, Bishopswater, County Wexford (details supplied); the reason this project, for which capital funding approval was expected in 2002, has diminished in priority; when the necessary capital funding will be provided for Gaelscoil Charman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1884/02]
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.
Because of 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.
A building project at Gaelscoil Charman is currently in architectural planning as part of the Government's programme. 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.
