Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter because it gives me the opportunity, on behalf of the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to outline to the House the Department's position regarding the allocation of funding for Ardscoil na mBráithre, Clonmel, County Tipperary.

The main purpose of the emergency works scheme is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources as a result of an unforeseen event of a capital nature that can arise during the course of a school year. This process will elicit specific relevant information to enable a verifiable, speedy and equitable process. Primary and post-primary schools requiring emergency works to be undertaken in the current year must apply under this scheme. The purpose of the scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies. It is not intended that it be used to supplement previous applications under other schemes that have not been successful in securing funding in the current year. All relevant and supporting information in respect of an application must be provided in order to support a claim for emergency grant aid. All applications are dealt with on an individual basis.

Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, almost €4.5 billion has been allocated to the school building and modernisation programme. The Department of Education and Science has an allocation of €586 million this year — and a similar figure next year — for the school building programme. The emergency works grant scheme is one of a number of component elements or sub-programmes of the capital allocation. The other elements include large-scale building projects — new school buildings and major extensions-refurbishments; site acquisitions; remediation programmes — asbestos removal, radon mitigation; furniture and equipment; and provision of temporary accommodation etc. It is also the intention of the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, to introduce a summer works scheme in 2009.

In light of the large number of projects seeking funding under this scheme and the competing demands on the budget allocated, it was not possible to provide funding for all applications received. In general, it is open to the unsuccessful applicants to reapply for funding for these works in 2009.

The Management Authority of Ardscoil na mBráithre applied for funding under the emergency works scheme last August to carry out works to the roof of the old high school building. Unfortunately, it was not possible to fund the project at that time. The management authority has submitted a further appeal in the matter and this is under consideration. The school will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.

I again thank the Deputy for giving me the opportunity to outline the current position in respect of the school to the House.

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