Vol. 562 No. 6
104 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the inadequate reply to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 19 February 2003, he will meet with Tuismitheoirí-Teagascoirí Le Chéile at some stage in the future. [6818/03]
My Department is aware of recent reports in the media about the establishment of Tuismitheoirí-Teagaiscoirí Le Chéile. I have no request for a meeting from them. Any request for such a meeting would be considered in light of all the other requests for meetings which I receive on a daily basis. The school building programme which I understand is of concern to Tuismitheoirí-Teagaiscoirí Le Chéile is published for 2003. I have no further moneys to expend on the program this year.
The 2003 programme will deliver over 140 large-scale projects at primary and post-primary level. In addition, 433 schools will benefit in some way from the building programme and of course all primary schools benefit directly from the devolved grants scheme for minor works. An innovative feature of this year's programme is the introduction of a devolved building initiative for small rural primary schools which will benefit 20 school communities.
The Government has acknowledged the historical deficit in educational infrastructure and has set about redressing the situation by allocating substantial funding. Redressing the situation will take time but I am determined to ensure that the needs of schools right across the country are met.
