Vol. 577 No. 3
246 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Donegal which is 150 years old, can be prioritised on the school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30698/03]
Before committing major capital funding to any project, my Department must be satisfied, having regard to all relevant factors including enrolment and demographic trends, that the school in question has a viable future thereby ensuring value for money. When these issues have been fully investigated by my Department, a decision will be made on how best to provide for the school's long-term accommodation needs. My Department officials will be in contact with the school authorities in this regard.
247 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the total expenditure on primary school refurbishment and building projects for 2004; the amount of this allocation which will be spent on new refurbishment projects; the amount which will be spent on ongoing refurbishment projects; the amount which will be spent on new building projects; the amount which will be spent on ongoing building projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30699/03]
The 2004 allocation for primary and post-primary school building is €387 million. This is an increase of 12.5% over the €342.9 million allocated in 2003. The level of funding provided for the 2004 is further evidence of the Government's consistent commitment since 1997 to education and to the modernisation of school buildings. This level of investment enables a significant number of projects to go to construction during 2004 providing new school buildings, extensions and/or refurbishment of existing school buildings, accommodation for children with special needs as well as many more smaller scale projects such as access for all, roof replacements, mechanical and electrical improvements. I intend to publish details of the 2004 school building programme this week. This programme will clarify what progress is planned for projects in the various categories during 2004.
