Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 3

Written Answers. - County Kildare Schools.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

72 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education whether it will be possible to meet health, safety and standard space requirements per child at the Hewetson School, Clane, County Kildare, after the summer holidays, in the absence of the necessary funding from her Department to provide the facilities already requested by the school authorities; the proposals, if any, she has to meet such a standard for the beginning of the next school year notwithstanding competing demands but acknowledging the urgent need; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

73 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education whether the lack of sufficient accommodation at the Hewetson School, Clane, County Kildare, the details of which have already been brought to her attention, merits the inclusion of an emergency financial provision in 1993, in order to facilitate the early implementation of the proposals as set out by the school authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose taking Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.

As I already advised the Deputy in my reply of 23 June 1993 it was not possible to include the project in question in the national school capital programme for 1993 because of other commitments and priorities. The project will continue to be considered for inclusion in the capital programme in due course in the light of other commitments and priorities.

While the dimensions of the classrooms in the school at present are below modern standards my Department is satisfied the existing accommodation will be adequate, from the point of view of the health and safety of the children, until such time as the new extension is provided.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

74 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if financial assistance has previously been offered by her Department in cases where a sports hall or other facilities, have been provided by secondary school authorities without prior approval by her Department, as in the case of St. Mary's secondary school, Naas, County Kildare; her views on whether it is appropriate to reconsider the late application for grant assistance in this case; if she can foresee inclusion of the financial provision for this in the context of the 1994 Estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Except in rare and exceptional circumstances school buildings provided without the prior agreement of my Department do not qualify for grant assistance under the scheme of capital grants for secondary schools. The question of a retrospective grant for the sports hall at St. Mary's secondary school has been considered and having regard to all the circumstances I am satisfied that payment of a grant is not warranted.