Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

708 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he is concerned at the rapid spread of infection in Meanscoil Iognaid Rís Secondary School, Naas, County Kildare, at the beginning of the new school year; if he considers that overcrowding in the school led to the rapid spread of the infection; if he will now sanction the completion of architectural planning and invitation of tenders for the required extension to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21195/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The recent infection at Meanscoil Iognaid Rís, Naas is a matter for the Eastern Health Board and I understand that it is being investigated by them.

With regard to the proposed extension at the school, a large-scale building project is listed in section 7 of the 2003 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This proposed project is at stage 3 of architectural planning, developed sketch scheme. It has been assigned a 'band 2' rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. Projects listed in sections 6 and 7 will not be authorised to progress beyond their current stage of architectural planning at this time.

Budgetary provisions in 2004 and subsequent years will determine the rate of progression to tender and construction of these projects in conjunction with the band rating individually assigned.