Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that I have sought to prioritise within available funding the replacement of prefabricated accommodation with permanent accommodation and that this work is progressing. Under the prefab replacement initiative, almost €60 million has been approved with the intention of replacing 575 rented prefabricated units in respect of 216 schools nationally. The permanent accommodation will provide modern, high quality accommodation for pupils and teachers.

In the case of schools with purchased prefabricated accommodation which is in urgent need of repair, it is open to such schools to utilise their capitation grants, or minor works grant in the case of primary schools, to undertake such repairs. Where prefabricated buildings have significant structural issues, it is open to the schools to submit an application to my Department for the replacement of such buildings and each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis within the funding available. My Department requests that a technical report and supporting evidence relating to the condition of the prefabricated buildings and outlining the works required accompany any submission.

See this speech in context