Michael McGrath
Question:81 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is his intention to have a summer works scheme in 2012; and if he will include window replacements. [11963/12]
View answerThursday, 1 March 2012
Questions (81, 82)
Brendan Griffin
Question:92 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the provision of grant aid in County Kerry (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12021/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 92 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10th November last, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system. Total enrolment in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by almost 70,000 between now and 2018 — over 45,000 at primary level and 25,000 at post primary — and will continue to grow up to at least 2024 at post-primary.
In view of the very real need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of new schools, together with extension projects, will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years.
In the context, therefore, of the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise available funding for the provision of essential school accommodation, it is not possible for me to advance with a summer works programme this year.