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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 3

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

55 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the claim made by the Construction Industry Federation that at the present rate it could take up to 40 years to complete the schools building and repair programme announced by his Depart ment prior to the election in 2002; his views on the claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21496/03]

I am aware of media reports on this matter. I am on record as acknowledging that the significant levels of investment made in school buildings in recent years need to be maintained going forward if the goal of eliminating substandard accommodation is to be achieved. To that end in the context of the Estimates process I am seeking to put in place a multi-annual capital funding envelope for the next four to five years. I consider that the provision of such an envelope for the schools building programme will enable my Department to provide greater clarity for all education partners concerning the progress of projects within the programme.

The major investment of recent years in upgrading school accommodation has resulted in new and enhanced school accommodation throughout the country. In the five years up to and including 2002, a total of €1,248 million has been spent by my Department on primary and post-primary school buildings. This is a very significant amount of investment.

The Government remains committed to continuing the work that it has started and to consolidate the substantial progress that has already been made in order to ensure that the needs of schools throughout the country are met over time. The process of investment in educational infrastructure begun by the previous Government will be continued as outlined in An Agreed Programme for Government.

Willie Penrose

Question:

56 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science his priorities for the schools building programme at primary and second level during 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21514/03]

The system of prioritisation that governs the selection of large scale capital projects to proceed through design stages and on to construction was set out in detail as part of the published 2003 capital programme. The first priority for any capital programme is the legally enforceable contractual commitments already entered into. The level of funding that I can make available for all other elements of the 2004 school building programme will depend on the overall funding available at the conclusion of the budgetary process.

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