Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

When the application was initially assessed in the Department it was agreed the long-term accommodation needs for Scoil Eoin would be to provide accommodation for a staffing of principal plus 22 mainstream teachers plus ancillary staff. A feasibility study was received which outlines a number of options for the future development of Scoil Eoin. To ensure the appropriate level of accommodation is provided, the Department is re-assessing the long-term projected staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based. Once the long-term projected staffing figure is agreed, a technical visit of the site and buildings will be carried out by Department officials with a view to determining how best to deliver the required accommodation. As soon as a decision is taken on the best solution to meet the school's current and future accommodation needs, the project will be progressed in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.

I thank the Deputy for providing me with the opportunity to outline the position on this particular school project and to highlight the enormous work undertaken by the Department of Education and Science in implementing the school building and modernisation programme to ensure infrastructure of the highest standard is available for all our schoolgoing population.

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