The amount spent on rental of temporary accommodation to date in 2010 is €20.6m. This includes rental costs for prefabricated units, associated costs for site works such as installation and removal of these units and rental costs for land and buildings for primary and post-primary schools. This figure has fallen significantly since 2008 when a total of €53m was spent. It is anticipated that further savings will be realised in 2010.
Separately, my Department has spent in excess of €26.5m in 2010 under the devolved grant scheme for primary and post-primary schools for the provision of additional accommodation. €20.8m has been paid to schools that have opted to provide a permanent classroom with the remaining €5.7m been paid to schools that opted to purchase a prefab classroom.