Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
294 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that classes had to be suspended on a number of occasions in a college, details supplied, in County Limerick during the past winter due to breakdowns of the heating system; if funds will be provided in 2004 to upgrade facilities at the college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17663/04]
View answerI understand that there were difficulties with the heating system last winter at the campus referred to by the Deputy, but my Department has been informed by the institute that these have been resolved. The institute concerned has also informed my Department that it has no record of any classes being cancelled in that context.
The Deputy may be aware that I announced a pause in relation to all capital developments in the third level sector in November 2002 pending a review of the entire set of demands in the sector. At my request the Higher Education Authority, HEA, undertook the review and a review group was established. The group has now presented its report to the HEA. I look forward to receiving the report and recommendations from the authority. Decisions in respect of the capital investment programme for the third level sector, including any developments at the institute in Limerick referred to by the Deputy, will be taken in the context of the capital envelope of funds available to me.
