I understand that the Deputy is referring to the provision of temporary accommodation to schools in need of such facilities. My Department endeavours to provide adequate accommodation at primary and post-primary level by way of the provision of permanent accommodation where possible, or alternatively, by way of rental and-or purchase of temporary classroom facilities. The number of temporary units provided at any one time varies depending on the number of building projects completed and the number of new applications received.
The number of primary schools which received funding for rental of temporary school premises in 2002 was 466. The total expenditure on the rental of temporary school premises in 2002 was €8.4 million. Statistics on the number of schools which received funding under the rental scheme for 2001 are not readily available. However, expenditure amounted to €6.3m in that year. With regard to the purchase of temporary accommodation for primary schools, expenditure in this area amounted to approximately €5.5 million in 2001 and €17 million in 2002. Statistics on the number of schools which benefited are not readily available.
At post primary level, expenditure on the rental of temporary accommodation amounted to €274,000 in 2001 and €423,000 in 2002. The amounts spent on the purchase of temporary accommodation in post primary schools was €4 million in 2001 and €4.4 million in 2002. Statistics on the number of schools which benefited are not readily available.
