Michael Ring
Ceist:397 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when prefab accommodation will be provided for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18552/01]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
My Department's building unit does not appear to have received an application from the management authorities of the school referred to by the Deputy for grant-aid towards the provision of prefab accommodation. I have arranged for an official of my Department to contact the school regarding this matter.
Michael Ring
Ceist:398 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding which was put in place at the last budget for repairs, extensions and building works for primary schools; the number of projects which are on hand; if there is a shortfall in the funding needed; and, if so, if he intends to seek additional funding from the Department of Finance. [18553/01]
Since taking office, this Government has made very substantial capital investment in the primary sector. For the year 2000, £81 million was allocated for primary school capital projects. This has been increased to £93 million for the current school year. This compares with only £19.5 million in 1993 and £34 million in 1997. Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 an unprecedented £413 million has been set-aside for primary school infrastructure.
There are currently more than 500 major primary building projects at various stages of planning. It is my intention, in the context of the current estimates process, to consolidate the considerable progress that has been made in improving the primary school infrastructure by seeking to maximise the funding available for 2002 and subsequent years.