David Stanton
Ceist:666 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to increase the capital allocation to the primary buildings project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20969/03]
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
David Stanton
Ceist:667 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to put in place multi-annual funding so that school-building projects can be planned and carried out more effectively and efficiently. [20970/03]
David Stanton
Ceist:668 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to put in place a supplementary budget to provide temporary accommodation in 2003-04; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20971/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 666 to 668, inclusive, together.
I am negotiating with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, to put in place a multi-annual capital funding envelope for the next four to five years. I consider that the provision of such an envelope for the school building programme will provide greater clarity for all education partners concerning the progress of projects within the programme. The Deputy will be aware that the precise level of funding allocated to primary building projects is being determined in the context of the ongoing 2004 Estimates campaign.
The capital allocation for the school building programme amounts to €342.9 million which is four times the amount allocated in 1997 and provides for 200 temporary accommodation projects. My Department will continue to manage the contingency sum for emergencies that is set out in the programme to deal, as best as possible, with the most urgent needs in schools including, where appropriate, requirements for temporary accommodation.