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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 2

Other Questions. - Schools Funding.

David Stanton

Question:

10 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make funding available and give approval to enable the Christian Brothers secondary school, Midleton, County Cork, to be refurbished and extended; the progress which has been made to date on this matter; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2854/02]

In 1998 the school authorities in question sought approval for a PE hall for the school. My Department agreed to the provision of a hall of 608m² and a further 200m² of ancillary accommodation. That is 808m² in total.

In January of last year the authorities of the school requested my Department to assess its overall accommodation needs and to include the PE and ancillary needs in that assessment. As the school was now effectively requesting a potentially more significant capital investment, my Department sought to establish the long-term viability and enrolment projections for the school. Last summer it was agreed with the school authorities that a long-term projected enrolment of 500 was a reasonable basis on which to base the detailed assessment of the school's future accommodation requirements.

Last August, my Department provided the school with a draft schedule of overall accommodation, seeking its agreement. This draft was based on an educational worksheet prepared by the school showing its curricular options. The school authorities responded in October with some queries. My Department has addressed these and a revised schedule was recently issued to the school. As soon as the school authorities agree the schedule the question of designing accommodation for the future needs of the school can be addressed.

Does the Minister recall visiting the school last year and viewing windows that were actually falling out? Does the Minister agree it is about time a decision was made on the future of the school? He should take action to allow the required building to go ahead. When will he do that?

The immediate issue is not one of funding, but of getting certainty about what we should provide. The school is fully participating in this process which is proceeding by agreement with the unit in Tullamore. They are working by agreement to finalise the exact nature of what is required, which is not unusual. This will lead to a major redevelopment of the school, including the PE hall.

Is the Minister saying the major redevelopment will go ahead, including the PE hall, as soon as the information requested from the school is made available to his Department?

I agree the school is a priority.

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