Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2018
153. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) for additional space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19741/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the school in question submitted an application for significant capital funding to provide additional classroom accommodation and a general purpose room.
My Department advised the school that the current priority is the provision of additional mainstream classrooms where a new teaching post has been sanctioned and cannot be accommodated within the existing school building. The school in question did not qualify for an additional post and on that basis, the school's application was unsuccessful.
In relation to the school's application for a General Purpose Room, the Deputy will be aware that the government will increase the funding provided for the school sector's capital investment programme. Under the National Development Plan, this funding allows for a continued focus on the provision of new permanent school places to keep pace with demographic demand and also provides for an additional focus on the refurbishment of existing school buildings to include the building and modernisation of PE facilities in primary and post-primary schools.
