Vol. 547 No. 2
173 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when he will approve the ?1.52 million expenditure for the required new school building for Scoil Carman, Wexford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3055/02]
My Department has recently purchased a site for the school referred to by the Deputy at a cost of €596,777. This is a clear indication of my commitment to proceeding with a permanent building. The major building project for the school 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.
While the major building project is progressing, my Department has advised the board of management that it is prepared to put temporary accommodation on site as an interim measure, if for any reason the school has to vacate the premises it selected when granted permanent recognition.
It is open to the board of management to take up this offer at any stage, in the interest of the children and teachers, if in its judgment the current facilities are unsatisfactory or unsafe.
