Vol. 547 No. 2
12 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reasons for delays in allowing works of refurbishment and extension at Moyglass national school, Loughrea, County Galway; and the proposed works programme at this school during 2002. [2858/02]
A project for the construction of a two classroom extension, provision of ancillary accommodation and the refurbishment of the existing school building at Moyglass national school has completed the early stages of architectural planning. I am committed to the refurbishment of the school as is evidenced by the pro gress made to date in relation to the design of improvements. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities as soon as possible in relation to progressing the project to the later stages of architectural planning and the invitation of tenders.
The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in primary schools.
Does the Minister ever get tired of repeating that?
That 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.
The Minister should publish the list.
It is my intention to continue this rate of progress—
What progress?
—in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and provide schools, such as Moyglass national school, with appropriate accommodation to meet the needs of the present day.
Will the Minister tell the House if he has intervened and stifled information coming from the building unit about the progress or otherwise of school buildings on the list, including Moyglass national school? If that is true, it is a disgrace.
Deputy Ulick Burke is known for his kind words, but once again he has got it wrong.
It is better than the broken word of the Minister.
Under the national development plan the allocation to education was front loaded and was due to come down this year.
The Minister should publish the list as promised.
People thought that would happen, but it did not. I continued the level we had last year in the Estimates following agreement with the Government.
Schools have not been done. The Minister gave the same answer last night. He is waffling.
The Deputy should try to be logical. I also got further funds in the budget. The people who said such things were wrong.
As it is now 4.45 p.m., Question Time is concluded and we must move on to the Adjournment debate.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
