Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2008
607 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of emergency funding that has been dispensed by his Department on a month-by-month basis since September 2007 to schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32437/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department issued €34.3 million in 2007 for emergency works in schools. To date in 2008, the Department has issued €22.9 million. A breakdown of this funding allocation on a month-by month basis is not readily available. My Department will continue to give grant aid for emergency works to schools. However, in light of the competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, all applications for emergency funding are assessed to ensure that the most urgent cases are addressed on a priority basis.
608 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of times the committee established within the planning and building unit of his Department to assess school works applications has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32438/08]
Amharc ar fhreagra609 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of projects that have been considered by the committee established within the planning and building unit of his Department to assess school works applications since its introduction; the number of projects that have been approved; the value of the projects approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32439/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 608 and 609 together.
In light of the many demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is necessary to prioritise all requests for expenditure within the context of available resources. As part of the administrative arrangements within the Planning and Building Unit of my Department, a small number of senior officials from within the Unit, review all new expenditure requests in order to ensure the prudent management of the capital budget of my Department. A total of 86 projects covering works to the value of €2.66m have been approved in this manner this year.
