Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Mary Hanafin. As the Deputy will be aware from the Minister's reply to his previous question, the position is that while comprehensive information is held on individual school files, the Department does not yet have these details available in a format that provides readily accessible cumulative information on the overall position on temporary accommodation. This issue is, however, being addressed as part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken. Information is being collated on schools which have received approval from the Department for temporary accommodation. It will be used to produce a database of information which will be maintained on an ongoing basis. The Minister will ensure the Deputy receives the information sought once it is available.

In addition to developing a database, the review of rental policy will involve the development of new procedures for both short-term rental and purchase and a draw-down contract for supply and installation of temporary accommodation on a regional basis. Existing rental contracts will also be investigated with a view to establishing if there is potential for better value for money. In the meantime, the Department is examining all applications for additional accommodation on an individual basis to determine if there is a need and what is the most appropriate solution.

The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly in recent years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. Against this background, the Department has nonetheless managed to keep expenditure on temporary accommodation low. Last year rental costs only amounted to 5% of the total investment in school buildings. Where accommodation is needed at short notice, however, a temporary solution can be the only option. Such accommodation may also be used where the need is short term such as when a school requires a temporary building while it is awaiting the completion of construction of permanent facilities. However, the emphasis will continue to be on providing permanent accommodation, where possible.

This year more than €586 million will be invested in school buildings and construction work will take place which is expected to provide permanent accommodation for approximately 20,000 pupils when complete. In the past newly recognised schools have generally been required to open in temporary accommodation. As the Minister pointed out in her previous discussion of the issue with the Deputy, she has been anxious to move away from this approach in developing areas. This year the Department is working hard to open as many new schools as possible in permanent accommodation. Departmental officials have been working in partnership with local authority staff to acquire sites needed for new schools next September. The aim, where possible, is to put permanent solutions in place on a phased basis to meet the immediate September 2008 needs, with a second phase to follow as required. Permanent solutions will be possible where a long-term site has been secured. The Deputy will be pleased to learn that this ambitious programme is on target. Not only has expenditure on temporary accommodation been kept to only about 5% of total investment in school buildings in recent years, the Department is also working hard to open new schools in permanent accommodation from the outset.

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