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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

John Bruton

Ceist:

1151 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the reduction in the provision of capital expenditure for his Department on first level education from 167 million in 2002 to 100 million in 2003 and to 105 million in 2004; and the implications of these proposed reductions against the 2002 figure for primary school building in 2003 and 2004. [1409/02]

John Bruton

Ceist:

1152 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which he will manage the proposed reduction in capital expenditure in the second level education sector from a proposed 184 million in 2002, to 116 million in 2003, and 121 million in 2004, as provided in the Budget; if this reduction in 2003 and 2004 represents a policy commitment of the Government to reduce capital expenditure in future years on second level education; and if not, the way in which he can otherwise explain this financial provision. [1410/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1151 and 1152 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by this Government to the building programme at all levels. The capital allocation in the current year is 182.309 million and 153.6 million for post-primary and primary levels respectively. This is 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.

The figures for 2003 and 2004 for capital expenditure at primary and post-primary levels referred to by the Deputy are only indicative projections on a no policy change basis based on technical adjustments to the 2002 Estimate rather than a definite policy position. The figures for 2002 at the corresponding stage in the budgetary process at end 2000 were 43% and 29% higher than the indicative 2002 Estimates allocations. Therefore, the Deputy will appreciate that these indicative figures are by no means a policy commitment of the Government to reduce capital expenditure in future years in respect of first or second level education.
Question No. 1153 answered with Question No. 1124.

John Perry

Ceist:

1154 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science when he proposes to make grant aid available for the proposed extension to St. Patrick's National School, Calry, County Sligo; the stage the application has reached; if funding will be made available in 2002; the amount of moneys allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1430/02]

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

1208 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide the necessary funding in 2002 for an extension to St. Patrick's Primary School, Calry, County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1703/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1154 and 1208 together.

The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is 153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

Due to the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

A building project for St. Patrick's national school, Calry, County Sligo is part of the Government's programme. The project will proceed to architectural planning and to the preparation of tender documents, as soon as it is possible under the expanded building programme.

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