Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
223 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the poor state of a post primary school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if this school will be included in the capital works programme for 2005 on the basis of serious health and safety concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31926/04]
View answerThe extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. It has a band two rating. My Department's technical staff are currently examining the stage one documentation — site suitability and site analysis. The school authorities will be kept advised of developments. My officials are nearing completion of a review of all projects that did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, including the school in question. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, agreed earlier this year with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards.
With regard to health and safety issues, responsibility is a matter in the first instance for individual school authorities. My Department has received an application for the upgrading of the electrical installation in the school under the summer works scheme 2005. Officials in the school building unit will be in contact with the management authorities when a decision is made on their application.
224 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Question No. 372 of 27 April 2004, if a school (details supplied) in County Clare has been considered for a school extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31927/04]
View answerThe application for an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers is being considered as part of a review of all projects which did not proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. All projects are being assessed against the published prioritisation criteria, revised earlier this year following consultation with the education partners. Each project will be assigned a band rating and the progress of all projects will be considered in the context of the school building programme from 2005 onwards. I will make further announcements on the school building programme in due course.
