Vol. 568 No. 1
118 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated by his Department for the updating of scientific facilities at second level schools throughout the State; the details in terms of structural upgrading of schools, science laboratories and moneys made available for the purchase of specific scientific instrumentation; the details regarding this information for all years since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15807/03]
Funding for the provision of science facilities in post-primary schools forms part of the overall post-primary capital allocation. In the period from 1997-2002, close to €750 million has been invested in delivering post-primary educational infrastructure. Additionally, this year a further €175 million is available for post-primary capital projects.
It is not possible to disaggregate from this overall total the specific sum expended on delivering science facilities. This is because when assessing the needs of schools for new or improved facilities, an analysis of existing accommodation is conducted and identified deficiencies including deficiencies in the science facilities are addressed as part of the overall strategy to deliver new or improved facilities at a school. The Deputy can be further assured that all science laboratories being provided in post primary schools are equipped to a high standard.
Apart from works done as part of the overall post-primary building programmes, in recent years grants in excess of €13,000 per school were paid to schools in the free education scheme that offer one or more of the physical science subjects at senior cycle towards the cost of purchasing science equipment including ICT equipment. These grants are in addition to the per capita grants also made available to schools.
