Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Deputy Deenihan for raising this matter as it affords me the opportunity to outline the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects and also to outline the position regarding Scoil Eoin, Tralee.

Modernising facilities in our 3,200 primary and 750 post-primary schools is not an easy task given the legacy of decades of under-investment in this area as well as the need to respond to emerging requirements in areas of rapid population growth. Nonetheless, since taking office the Government has shown focused determination to improve the condition of our school buildings and ensure the appropriate facilities are in place to enable the implementation of a broad and balanced curriculum.

As evidence of this commitment approximately 1,300 building and modernisation projects will be active in our primary and post-primary schools during 2006. This year alone, approximately €500 million will be spent on primary and post-primary projects throughout the country, compared to approximately €90 million in 1997. I am sure the Deputy will agree this record level of investment is a positive testament to the high priority the Government attaches to this sector.

Turning to the specific matter in hand, Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh is designated an all-girls' primary school which caters for infant boys to first class. The school had a September 2005 enrolment of 608 pupils. The September 2006 enrolment has yet to be confirmed in the October returns to the Department of Education and Science. However, I understand enrolments are stable at this school.

The school authority applied to the Department of Education and Science to relocate to the adjacent secondary school campus which became vacant with the opening of the new secondary school at Mounthawk. When the application was initially assessed in the Department it was agreed the long-term accommodation needs for Scoil Eoin would be to provide——

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