Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2009
1062 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of a class in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11252/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn official from the Building Unit of my Department was in contact with the school authorities recently regarding this matter. The school will submit an application for emergency funding for the refurbishment works in question in the near future. When this application is received it will be assessed without delay and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
1064 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps which he will take to upgrade facilities and the capacity of science laboratories at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11281/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the multi-annual school building programme, the Government has invested heavily in the modernisation of school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of all major projects at post-primary level. Typically this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science.
Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Schemes 2004 -2007 to refurbish science laboratories. Over 60 schools were approved for funding in 2006 and 2007 under my Department's Summer Works Scheme to enable them to refurbish science laboratories on a devolved basis.
Additionally, the Government has funded the provision of class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences. My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum.
Expenditure on science laboratories and science equipment in schools will continue to arise for consideration in the context of the funding available for my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
