Michael Finucane
Question:469 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given for the appropriate improvements to a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [5815/02]
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
Since the Government came into office, there has been a great increase in the level of activity in the area of primary school building. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of major building projects in construction, which has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.
The school referred to by the Deputy is being refurbished as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. Under the expanded building programme, the project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders as soon as possible.
Tony Killeen
Question:470 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science the action his Department proposes to take to deal with flooding of a large part of the site at St. Joseph's secondary school, Tulla, County Clare; if his building unit has established the cause of ongoing back-up of waste water; when it will be remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5856/02]
The matter referred to by the Deputy has not been brought to the attention of officials in my Department's building unit. Flooding on a school site is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the school authority which should investigate and establish the cause of the back-up of waste water. I have asked officials of my Department to contact the school authorities on this issue.