I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 223 and 227 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a published prioritisation criteria system for major capital projects. Projects are assigned a band rating in accordance with these criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. A band rating reflects the type of works needed and the urgency attaching to them.
There are four band ratings in all. Band 1 is the highest and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.
Applications for capital funding for new PE Halls or for the extension and refurbishment of existing PE Halls attract a Band 4 rating.
My Department currently has 34 applications for funding for PE Hall projects. 2 applications, including the project to which the Deputy refers, are in architectural planning. A further project was announced to proceed to tender and construction in 2009. The applications for the projects in question were made between 1996 and 2008. Details of these projects are also available on my Department's website.
The specific information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of projects delivered since 2000 that also contained PE Hall works are not readily available in my Department and, in view of other competing priorities in the capital area, it is not possible to allocate staffing resources to the compilation of the information at this stage.
However, my Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance on the provision of PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's school building programme. The Government is providing €579 million for the school building programme this year. This will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.
With regard to the specific project to which the Deputy refers, this will continue to be considered for advancement under the School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with the Band rating attaching to it and level of demand on my Department's capital budget from higher competing priorities.