School Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Questions (374)

David Cullinane

Question:

374. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to an application for an additional classroom for a school (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that his Department's building unit has stated that the school's prospects of obtaining an additional classroom are unlikely and that the school maintains that an additional classroom is necessary in the interest of the health and safety of the children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41352/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has now completed the assessment of the school's application for an additional mainstream classroom and a letter has issued to the Board of Management in this regard.

In July 2015, the Department approved a devolved grant for the provision of a mainstream classroom for the expected appointment of a third mainstream class teacher, for September 2016. However, the enrolment numbers at the school did not materialise and as a result the school did not qualify to increase their staffing level.  The classroom which my Department approved in July 2015 is progressing and has been tendered. On completion, the school in question will have adequate accommodation to cater for a third teacher should the post materialise.