Vol. 562 No. 3
49 Mr. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the sports hall programme; the number of halls which have been built since the programme was initiated; and the number which will be completed in 2004. [5896/03]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the programme to address the issue of providing PE halls to existing schools by way of a template architectural design which has been developed in my Department. The intention is to pilot this programme in four schools. Architectural planning for these projects is at an advanced stage.
However, due to the level of financial commitments to be met from the capital programme for 2003, as published, I do not envisage that my Department will be in a position to allow further large scale projects, including the pilot template PE halls, to proceed beyond their current authorised stage of architectural planning. These projects will, however, be considered for the 2004 capital programme.
I wish to point out to the Deputy that the template PE facility refers to stand alone provision where existing accommodation at a school does not require other immediate extensive investment. A number of large scale projects on the capital programme for 2003 are being provided with PE facilities as part of an overall extension-refurbishment or where a new school is being provided.
