Vol. 544 No. 4
243 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science when building projects (details supplied) were given initial approval by his Department; the status of each; when it is likely that building will commence on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29156/01]
My Department gave initial approval for the architectural design of the buildings in question on various dates in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Each building project has its own design team who work with the institute to progress the various projects through architectural planning and design. As yet, the design of none these projects is sufficiently complete to enable the projects to commence construction. Officials in my Department are very anxious that these projects proceed as quickly as possible through architectural planning and are in regular contact with the institute with regard to their progression. A decision on when each of the projects concerned will proceed to construction will be taken once architectural design has been completed.
244 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the poor and cramped conditions of the prefabricated building at Scoil Íde, Curranes national school, Castleisland, County Kerry; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the water supply to the school is unfit for human consumption; and his plans to bring the school up to a fit standard in order to company with health and safety regulations. [29211/01]
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of improved accommodation at Scoil Íde, Curranes national school, Castleisland, County Kerry. Decisions relating to the rate of progress to construction of individual projects, including the proposed project for Curranes national school, will be taken, as in previous years, in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes and when all budget decisions have been taken by the Government. Health and safety issues, such as the condition of drinking water, are the responsibility of the school authorities in the first instance. All primary schools receive an annual capital grant which may be used entirely at the discretion of the school authorities to address matters of this nature.
