Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which he will accelerate the school building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2875/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Significant progress has been made by this Government over the past three years in improving school accommodation.
Since 1999 this Government has invested massively in capital projects in both the primary and post-primary sectors. For the year 1999, £153 million was allocated to both sectors for capital projects. In 2000, this was increased to £201 million. In the current year the allocation has been further increased to £218 million for both sectors. This compares with only £46.4 million in 1993 and £72.3 million in 1997. Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 an unprecedented £824 million has been set-aside for school infrastructure in the primary and post-primary sectors.
The massive increase in capital funding has allowed my Department to continue to expand its work programme and to make significant progress in eliminating sub-standard accommodation through the provision of new and improved facilities in both the primary and post-primary sectors.