Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter as it affords me the opportunity to outline to the House the Government's strategy for capital investment in education projects and also to outline the position regarding Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann.

Modernising facilities in our 3,200 primary and 750 post-primary schools is not an easy task, given the legacy of decades of underinvestment in this area, as well as the need to respond to emerging needs in areas of rapid population growth. Nevertheless, since taking office, this Government has shown a focused determination to improve the condition of school buildings and to ensure the appropriate facilities are in place to enable the implementation of a broad and balanced curriculum. As evidence of our commitment, national development plan funding of €4.5 billion will be invested in schools over the coming years. I am sure the Deputy will agree this record level of investment is a positive testament to the high priority the Government attaches to ensuring school accommodation is of the highest standard possible.

Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann is a co-educational primary gaelscoil with a current enrolment of 268 pupils. The Department of Education and Science received an application for capital funding towards the provision of new school buildings. As the Deputy will be aware, the school authority and a private construction firm, without the direct involvement of the Department, were involved in an initiative to build a 16-classroom school on land owned by the developer at no cost to the school or the Department. The Department has not been involved in the design of the school nor has capital funding been provided in respect of the proposed project.

I understand that the initiative to build a 16-classroom school on land owned by the developer has been changed to an offer of a site. To progress the gaelscoil's application using the traditional method, an assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long-term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. Once the long-term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities, the required building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme. I again thank the Deputy for raising the matter and allowing me to outline the position regarding Gaelscoil Mainistir na Corann.

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