asked the Minister for Education whether a new national school has been approved for Dunkineely, County Donegal; if so, the date on which approval was given; if the site was approved; if so, when; if the drawing up of plans for a new school was authorised; if so, when; if an architect has been paid in respect of plans drawn up for the new school; if so, (a) the amount paid and (b) when payment was made, if planning permission was obtained; if so, the date; if she will outline the information available to her concerning the safety and suitability of the existing prefabricated buildings at the school; and if the present school and prefabricated buildings are currently fully covered by public liability insurance.
Written Answers. - New National School.
135.
The provision of a major extension to Dunkineely national school, County Donegal, was approved by my Department in 1982 but it was not possible for the project to proceed because of the cost which would have been involved.
In March 1983 the school authorities were authorised to engage their own architect to prepare plans for the project. A site extension was offered in June 1984 which was approved in July 1984. Planning permission was received by the school authorities in October 1986.
Grants have been paid to the chairman of the board of management of the school in respect of the professional fees incurred on the project. Payment was made in two instalments in February 1989 and August 1989. It is not the practice to divulge the financial details in these instances because of the need to preserve a bond of confidentiality between the Department and the school authorities.
I have arranged for my Department's professional advisers to make a full report on the condition of the existing prefabricated classrooms and to put forward proposals for any necessary improvements. I will communicate with the Deputy in this respect at the earliest possible date.
The question of the insurance of the school premises is one for the school authorities.