Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
390 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that €60 million is available from the Dormant Accounts Fund for a capital grant for facilities in national schools; and when the money will be allocated to schools who have applied. [22519/07]
View answerAmong the priority funding measures approved for support in 2006/2007 under the Educational Disadvantage category of the Dormant Account Fund and the RAPID Leverage Fund, was a scheme addressing educational infrastructure in disadvantaged schools. Eligibility for the scheme was restricted to primary and post primary schools participating in my Department's DEIS programme; schools in, or serving, RAPID areas; and special schools.
The scheme consists of four measures and a number of sub-measures. The four measures are: (1) Outdoor Play Facilities; (2) Libraries; (3) Parent Rooms; and (4) Dining Areas. Eligible schools were allowed to submit prioritised proposals under each of the measures. Proposals were sought in respect of improvements to existing facilities (‘enhancements' or ‘non new-builds') and the development of new facilities (‘new-builds').
A total of €20.5m, (€14.5m from the Dormant Accounts and €6m from the RAPID Leverage Fund, which is administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs), has been made available to fund the scheme. The scheme was launched on 16th January 2007, with a closing date for applications of 1st March 2007. The scheme was over-subscribed with 2,271 individual project proposals submitted for funding. The total amount of grant aid sought exceeded the funding available under the scheme.
The first stage of assessment involved proposals identified by applicants as Priority 1, 2 & 3 under the Outdoor Play Facilities Measure; lower priorities were not assessed because there is insufficient funding available. In July, €6.25m in funding was approved in respect of 447 Outdoor Play Facilities projects. These projects are currently being implemented by schools.
Phase II involves the assessment of some 380 library enhancement proposals. This work is at a very advanced stage and it is intended to progress the assessment in a matter of weeks. Phase III, which will involve the assessment of the Parent Room and Dining Area proposals, will occur subsequently.
