Schools Building Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Questions (731, 732)

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

744 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will examine, in co-operation with local management, the standard of accommodation and the need for the development of the school building and grounds at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24 and specifically, to survey the school yard with a view to resurfacing and levelling, to authorise a modernising project for the school hall, to assist with the local effort to develop a sports pitch on the grounds, to make a statement on the standard of accommodation, funding available for improvements and schemes in place to carry out such works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26377/06]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The scope of the works referred to by the Deputy is appropriate for consideration under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS). While the school did make an application for funding under the SWS for 2004, it is noted that it did not apply under the 2005 or 2006 Schemes. The 2007 Summer Works Scheme was recently published. The closing date for the receipt of applications is the 29th of September next. The governing Circular Letter and the application form are available on my Department's website www.education.ie and the Scheme has been advertised in the national media and through the Education Partners.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

745 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, she has received an application from the school for further classroom accommodation; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the school had to utilise its library to accommodate children in class during 2005/2006; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that, in the event of classrooms not being sanctioned and provided, the school will be forced to use its physical education hall as classrooms in 2006/2007, with the consequences of restricting the curriculum in a key area for young children; if, in these circumstances, she will sanction and authorise two temporary prefabs for classroom purposes as an immediate priority and an examination at an early date of the future accommodation and development needs of this school in an area with a very large young population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26378/06]

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for additional accommodation for September 2006. However, this application was refused on the basis that my Department is satisfied that there is considerable spare capacity in neighbouring schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places. While, this may result in pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice, this approach ensures that the use of existing accommodation is maximised and that the development and support of one school over others does not occur.