School Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Questions (406)

John McGuinness

Question:

446 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the date on which prefab buildings will be provided on site for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the stage the project is at; the overall cost of the project; the arrangement she has made to provide school places for those waiting to attend at the new prefab buildings; if home tuition will be provided for those who are waiting to attend the school; if her attention has been drawn to the number of pupils affected by the delay in providing this accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28677/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department has approved tenders for three portable structures for the school referred to by the Deputy. The structures being provided will include two classrooms and a sensory integration room. The total cost is approximately €330,000 for three years rental and €114,000 for enabling works required due to the confines of the existing site. The site for the proposed new green field school has been purchased and the building project is at the early stages of architectural planning. Home tuition is intended to provide education for children with a significant medical condition causing major disruption to their attendance at school or as an interim support for children with a significant special educational need pending the provision of an appropriate school based educational service. In the event that applications for home tuition are submitted to my Department on behalf of the pupils concerned, they will be fully considered and decisions will be conveyed to the families concerned.