Seán Ryan
Ceist:40 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of all major school capital projects which have been approved since January 2002; and the total funding approved in each case. [9232/02]
Other Questions. - Schools Building Projects.
In the current year the Government, for the fifth consecutive year, has substantially increased the level of funding available for investment in primary and second level educational infrastructure. A sum in excess of €337 million has been allocated for school buildings this year. The record level of funding available in the current year is almost four times the 1997 level. This process of unprecedented and sustained investment in educational infrastructure—
We have heard it all before.
—begun by this Government and which, as the Taoiseach recently indicated, will be continued, has resulted in a record level of activity. Currently, there are over 80 major primary school projects either in construction or at tender stage. This compares with a total of only 30 in 1997. At second level there are 125 major projects incurring liabilities this year, plus five public private partnerships, compared with only 12 in 1997. Architectural planning is continuing on a further very broad range of both primary and second level projects. These projects will also proceed to tender and construction as part of the Government's expanded schools building programme.
In addition, last month, I approved €36.5 million of grants for improvement works in schools. This includes specific grants for improvement works at 218 primary and 110 second level schools throughout the country. I am finalising for Government the details and shape of the programme as it is likely to develop through the year. It is my intention to make available to Deputies a list of school building projects currently in construction as well as major building projects in architectural planning as soon as possible, taking this year's Estimates, the budget allocation and PPPs into account.
Perhaps I should repeat this question to the Minister because he seems to have avoided it completely. Deputy Sean Ryan asked him to provide details of all major school building projects which have been approved since last January. That is not too difficult – it relates to a period of about ten weeks. Can the Minister now provide that information?
On current figures, there are over 80 major primary school projects either in construction or out to tender.
On a point of order, the question referred to projects approved since January. What projects have been approved since January?
None.
I have given information on the projects currently approved for tender. All the tenders are the same.
The Minister is filibustering.
Allow the Minister to continue without interruption, please.
Will the Minister please answer the question? How many projects has he approved over the past ten weeks since January? Can he provide a list of those projects?
Blank.
I do not appear to have that information with me at the moment. I have informed the Deputies that there are 80 major primary school projects either in construction or at tender stage. At second level, there are 125 major projects—
(Interruptions.)
The Minister without interruption.
—together with a carry-over of five public private partnerships which began just before Christmas.
There will be a big carry-over after the Minister.
They will be finished by the end of the year, probably.
If the Minister has come unprepared for this question, of which he had notice, will he undertake to provide the list to me before the end of business today? Clearly, it is not in his file. Will the Minister answer my question?
I will get more details for the Deputy.
Written answers follow Adjournment Debate.