Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

I have not got a Luas for the Senator but in time I might have a western rail corridor for him, which would help. I have been supplied with a response by the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Dempsey:

I thank the Senator for giving me the opportunity to outline to the Seanad the policy of the Department of Education and Science regarding applications for retrospective funding and in particular the application from the management authorities of Ballaghlea national school, Ballygar, County Galway in respect of works carried out.

In February 2003 the management authorities of Ballaghlea national school contacted the school building section of the Department and informed it that they intended erecting a small extension in the region of 75 square metres. This additional space was to include accommodation for a resource and learning support teacher as well as a staff room and disabled person's toilet. The project was to be funded locally, and the board of management wished to know if the Department could grant-aid the project retrospectively. The school building section informed the board of management that the Department was not in a position to give any guarantee that an application for retrospective would be considered but advised the board of the relevant statutory regulations regarding planning permission and tendering.

A further application for retrospective funding was received in January this year. A circular letter outlining the Department's policy regarding retrospective funding is currently being drafted and a copy of this circular will issue to all schools and will state that funding for projects undertaken by schools, without the approval or agreement of the Department will not be funded. To do so would reward queue jumping and undermine the openness and transparency of the system, which is the essential point of publishing the school building programme. I thank the Senator for raising the matter.