Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 2

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

206 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will re-visit the reply given to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 15 October 2002, regarding the Presentation secondary school, Loughboy, Kilkenny, as the reply does not refer to the school mentioned in the parliamentary question; if a comprehensive reply will be issued in reply to the question; if the application for funding will be expedited; and the time frame involved. [21799/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I apologise to the Deputy for incorrect reference in my reply to his recent parliamentary question in relation to the Presentation secondary school, Loughboy, Kilkenny. The position in relation to this school is that an application for capital grant aid is currently being examined.

In advance of making a capital investment in any school and consistent with standard practice, the planning section of my Department is assessing the school's long-term viability. As part of this process, all relevant factors, including enrolment and demographic trends in the area, will be taken into consideration. As soon as this analysis is complete, officials in my Department will be in direct contact with the school's managerial authority.