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Thursday, 24 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 75-78

Schools Building Projects Status

Questions (75)

Gerry Adams

Question:

75. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on plans for a new school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Meath; when the design stage will be completed; when he expects construction to commence; when the development will be completed; the number of students in prefabs at the school at present; the costs to his Department of these prefabs on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3487/13]

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Written answers

The project referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department is liaising with Board of Management and their Design Team regarding a date for the Stage 2(a) stakeholders meeting. Upon completion of Stage 2(a) and subject to no issues arising, the project will then progress to stage 2(b) which is the final design stage in the architectural planning process and includes the planning application and completion of tender documents. The project has been scheduled to commence tender and construction in 2014-15 under the five-year construction programme that was announced in March 2012. My Department does not hold information on the numbers of pupils in individual schools who occupy temporary accommodation. This depends on the organisation of class groups by schools within available accommodation and may vary from year to year. Local school management is responsible for organising class numbers year on year to achieve the optimum local efficiencies. The school in question has seven prefab units. The Deputy should note that such units may consist of one or more classrooms and/or ancillary accommodation. The annual cost of the rental of temporary accommodation at this school is €82,500. My Department has asked the board of management to explore the potential for savings through a buy-out of the rental contracts. My Department is awaiting a response from the school in this regard.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (76)

Seán Fleming

Question:

76. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a Student Universal Support Ireland grant application will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3508/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland, the new centralised grant awarding authority, that the application made by the student referred to by the Deputy is being assessed and a letter will issue shortly directly to the student outlining the position.

Student Grant Scheme Applications

Questions (77)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

77. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a Student Universal Support Ireland application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3523/13]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that on 23 January 2013, a request for further documentation was issued to the student referred to by the Deputy. When the requested documentation is returned, the student will be notified directly of the outcome.

Schools Refurbishment

Questions (78)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

78. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way a primary school can apply for funding for attic and cavity wall insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3524/13]

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Written answers

My Department introduced an energy efficiency scheme in 2009 to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in school buildings across the country. The scheme, which was implemented with the help of Sustainable Energy Ireland, allowed schools to apply for funding on a once-off basis to upgrade the fabric insulation in attics and the external cavity walls of their buildings. The closing date for receipt of applications under this scheme was November 2009. In light of the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of accommodation to meet rising demographic requirements over the next few years, limited resources are available for improvements and health and safety works in the existing school stock. This is in line with the Government's stated aim of prioritising the delivery of additional accommodation in developing areas. Therefore, my Department is not in a position to provide funding to schools to specifically carry out attic and wall insulation works.

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