Vol. 545 No. 1
331 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when, further to Parliamentary Question No. 757 of 6 November 2001 and 271 of 14 November 2001, his officials were last in contact with the school regarding their application for funding for refurbishment work. [29618/01]
My Department's building unit received detailed designs and contract documents in late August 2001 for a project at the school to which the Deputy refers. My Department will contact the school authorities as soon as possible.
332 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Wexford to provide a learning support room, library and office; and if the engineers report and funding can be expedited in view of the overcrowding in the school. [29619/01]
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by the Government to the building programme at all levels. The allocation in the current year is £370.5 million, 470.4 million. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects, and it is my intention to continue this rate of progress in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and in meeting the needs of the present day.
Decisions relating to the rate of progress to construction of individual projects, including the proposed project at the school to which the Deputy refers, 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.
333 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the contract has been awarded for the building project at Askea boys and girls national schools; if the work on both buildings at a cost of £376,000 will commence shortly; the time frame for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29620/01]
A tender report has been received in relation to roof works at Askea boys and girls schools and this is currently being considered. A decision on the matter will be conveyed to the school authorities shortly.
334 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the progress which has been made in this regard. [29670/01]
My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at the school in question. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by the Government to the building programme at all levels. The allocation in the current year is £370.5 million, 470.4 million. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects and it is my intention to continue this rate of progress in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and in meeting the needs of the present day.
