Vol. 552 No. 4
154 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for accommodation to facilitate special needs pupils at Ballyferriter national school, Dingle, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12655/02]
The Office of Public Works acting as agent for my Department has drawn up a proposal for an extension to Ballyferriter national school which will cater for the accommodation needs of the special needs class. This proposal is currently being examined by officials in my Department and the school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
My Department is committed to providing this additional accommodation at Ballyferriter national school as part of the Government's building programme. When my Department's examination of the proposal is completed, this project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.
155 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science when approval will be given by his Department for the final works at Scoil Bhríde Loreto national school, Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12656/02]
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.
