Vol. 553 No. 6
187 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make funding available for a complete extension to a school (details supplied) in County Offaly to enable it to properly cater for an autism class; the progress which has been made to date on this matter; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14972/02]
Architectural planning for a building project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage. Decisions on projects proceeding to tender and construction are taken in the light of the annual allocation for primary school buildings, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects.
An extensive building programme for 2002 has already been approved and published. It is not envisaged that the proposed building project at the school in question will proceed to construction in 2002. In the interim, approval has been given to the school's management authorities to place a contract for the provision of temporary accommodation to cater for the proposed autism class.
Later this year, when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates, I will frame a further comprehensive programme of works that will proceed to construction and the school concerned will be one of those considered for inclusion in that programme.
It is my intention to bring greater transparency to the operation of the school building programme and I intend to publish the programme annually. I am also anxious to build a multi-annual dimension into the published programme so that schools will have an indication of the expected timelines relating to their project.
