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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 2003

Vol. 565 No. 4

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

89 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has issued a directive to primary schools that where halls, closets or any space is available a school's application for pre-fabs to alleviate overcrowding will not be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11186/03]

Jack Wall

Question:

90 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has issued new guidelines in regard to applications for pre-fabs to schools seeking such accommodation for the provision of facilities for children in overcrowded situations. [11187/03]

Jack Wall

Question:

91 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a departmental directive that, for all temporary accommodation used by schools where overcrowding or non-availability of facilities necessitate the use of such accommodation, a fire certificate must be obtained by the board of management or by his Department in relation to such accommodation. [11188/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 to 91, inclusive, together.

School authorities are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 it is the responsibility of school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools.

The 2003 capital programme has been published. A sum of €8.6 million has been provided towards the cost of providing temporary accommodation in 104 primary schools. These schools are listed in section 12 of the programme. Compliance with the appropriate statutory regulations, including fire safety certificates, is a condition of grant aid from my Department.

On the basis of the budgetary allocation it was not possible to include more projects in 2003. In the meantime schools should use their devolved grant to deal with urgent health and safety works.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

92 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the proposed new school for Scoil Úi Cheatharnaigh, Ballinasloe, County Galway, was not proceeded with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11189/03]

The 2003 schools building programme has been published. Full details of projects are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie.

On the basis of the budgetary allocation it was not possible to include more projects in 2003. The budgetary allocation for 2004 and subsequent years will determine the rate of progress on projects, including site acquisitions, that could not be included in this year's programme.

In the meantime schools should use their devolved grant to deal with urgent health and safety works.

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