Vol. 547 No. 4
237 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has granted approval to the Loretto secondary school, Bray, County Wicklow to seek tenders for the construction of a physical education hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3880/02]
240 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give approval to Loreto secondary school, Bray, County Wicklow to seek tenders for the construction of a physical education hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3932/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 240 together.
The allocation for post primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Due to the greatly increased level of investment in the post primary buildings area since the 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 school to which the deputies refer is to receive a physical education hall as part of the Government's programme and is currently at stage five in architectural planning. The question of inviting tenders will be considered as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.
