Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2014
68. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of classes at primary level that are accommodated in prefabs; the total number of classes at primary level that are accommodated in prefabs that are rented and those which are owned by the State or school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5802/14]
View answer69. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of classes at post-primary level that are accommodated in prefabs; the total number of classes at post-primary level that are accommodated in prefabs that are rented and those which are owned by the State or school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5803/14]
View answer70. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual cost of rented prefab accommodation at primary level and at post-primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5804/14]
View answer71. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of replacing all prefab accommodation, rented or State owned, with permanent buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5805/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 to 71, inclusive, together. My Department does not hold information on the numbers of pupils in individual schools who currently occupy prefabs; this depends on the organisation of class groups by schools within available accommodation and may vary from year to year. In general, my Department approves the rental of prefabricated classrooms based on need at the time of application. Local school management then organise their class numbers, year on year, to achieve the optimum local efficiencies. The cost of renting prefab accommodation at primary and post-primary level in 2013 was €15.8 million. The cost of replacing all prefab accommodation with permanent buildings would vary from school to school, depending on site conditions at each school, planning conditions and other site specific costs.
