Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2014
205. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the measures that have been taken to reduce the numbers of prefabricated classrooms in use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38778/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's over-riding objective is to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. To ensure that this is achieved, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years.
However, even despite the enormous financial challenges which have been faced in recent years, two iterations of the Prefab Replacement Scheme were funded by my predecessor. Under the Prefab Replacement Initiative 2012 and 2013 approval was given to 217 schools (209 primary and 8 post-primary) to replace 614 prefab units with permanent accommodation. In excess of €56m has been allocated to these initiatives.
