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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school buildings he expects to extend or refurbish in 2002; the number of such projects undertaken in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3068/02]

The allocation for primary and post-primary buildings in 2002 is in excess of €335 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary and post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

Due to the greatly increased level of activity for school buildings 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.

Clearly, it is not possible to wipe out in the lifetime of one Government the cumulative deficit of generations and also to deal with emerging needs at the same time. This Government from the outset has been committed to addressing that historical deficit in educational infrastructure and has set about rectifying the situation by allocating substantial funding in each of its budgets. The Taoiseach has very recently given a categorical assurance about our clear commitment to continuing with the work we have started and to build on the substantial progress that has already been made over the last few years in order to ensure that the needs of schools right across the country are met.
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