Vol. 541 No. 2
1169 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding or grants, current and capital, that a school may apply for to improve and modernise science material, buildings and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22521/01]
My Department has conducted a survey of science facilities in post primary schools, which included reference to the level of equipment available for the teaching of science. In response to the findings of the survey, last year grants amounting to £10,500 each were paid to all schools offering the physical sciences at senior cycle for science equipment. In addition to the above, the post primary building unit of my Department processes applications from school managerial authorities for capital grant assistance towards new or refurbished science laboratory facilities. These applications are dealt with subject to available finances and competing priorities. In connection with this my Department commissioned an expert study of the layout of science laboratories. The report from this study is being examined in my Department.
