School Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004

Wednesday, 30 June 2004

Ceisteanna (154)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

217 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the serious lack of accommodation to meet the requirements of special needs, resource and other school classes at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that health and safely regulations are being breached in an attempt to accommodate the classes with the current restricted accommodation; if he will provide the urgently needed funds to meet the school’s requirements in the academic year 2004-05; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19798/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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

The school planning section of my Department has considered all applications for temporary accommodation. A list of successful applications is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. In the context of the available funding, and the number of applications for that funding, it was not possible to approve all applications received, and only those with an absolute and demonstrated need for additional accommodation were approved. The school in question is required to maximise the use of existing accommodation until my Department is in a position to provide additional facilities.