Vol. 571 No. 3
167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefabricated structures already delivered to primary and second level schools in 2003 to date; the number outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21757/03]
Over 200 temporary accommodation projects are listed in section 12 of the 2003 schools building programme. Responsibility for the management and delivery of these projects is devolved to school management authorities. The majority of these prefabricated structures are expected to be on site this year.
My Department, as part of the update of the building programme, introduced in May a new pilot initiative aimed at reducing the requirement for temporary accommodation in primary schools. Some 20 schools were invited to participate in the pilot phase of this initiative which allows them to undertake a permanent solution to their classroom accommodation needs. Responsibility for the management and delivery of these projects is devolved to school management authorities with the bulk of the building projects currently at planning permission stage. It is hoped to build on this initiative in future years.
