Vol. 553 No. 6
206 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has had recent correspondence from, or discussions with, the school authorities at Presentation Convent School, Maynooth, County Kildare with reference to extra facilities, psychological services or other needs; if he will respond favourably in the near future, with particular reference to meeting all deadlines in time for the next school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14992/02]
Architectural planning for a building project at Presentation national school is at an early stage.
Decisions on projects proceeding to tender and construction are taken in 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 Presentation Convent School will proceed to construction in 2002.
Later this year, when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 estimates, I will be framing 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.
207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he or his Department had recent discussions with Kildare VEC and the authorities at Maynooth post primary school, Maynooth, County Kildare with a view to finalising arrangements and reaching closure on the issue of the urgently needed extra accommodation and facilities at the school; the timetable in respect of these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14993/02]
211 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department can expedite the provision of the promised necessary extension of facilities at Maynooth post primary school, Maynooth, County Kildare in order to facilitate the urgent need for extra space arising from the influx of new students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14997/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 211 together.
The stage 3 – developed sketch scheme – has been examined within my Department's post primary building unit. It was necessary to seek clarification on a number of items from the chief executive officer of County Kildare VEC and his design team regarding this submission. A response has been received to these queries, which is currently being considered.
On completion of this examination and subject to all being satisfactory, the question of allowing the project to proceed to Stage 4 – detailed design – will be determined.
208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions which have taken place between his Department and the school authorities at Scoil Clochar Naofa, Kilcock, County Kildare in regard to extra facilities required at the school and other requirements; if an agreement has been reached in regard to a timetable to meet such requirements; if he expects action to be taken in time for the next school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14994/02]
My Department has an extensive primary school building programme under way at present and this includes a large number of projects at various stages of architectural planning.
Decisions on additional projects proceeding to architectural planning are taken in light of the annual allocation for capital projects, the financial commitments to be met and the priority to be afforded to individual projects. The programme for 2002 is in place and the schools concerned have been notified.
Later this year when a financial allocation has been made for the primary school building programme in the 2003 Estimates I will be framing a further comprehensive programme of works and this will involve putting more projects into architectural planning. The needs of Scoil Clocha Naofa, Kilcock will be considered at that time.
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.
Question No. 209 answered with Question No. 204.
