Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this issue as it provides me with an opportunity to clarify the current position on Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire's application for funding under the summer works scheme 2014 to undertake works to its outdoor facilities and playground area. Last March the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, announced that 386 schools would receive funding to the tune of almost €36 million to undertake gas, electrical and mechanical works under the scheme. In a further announcement on Friday, 2 May, he announced a second round of approvals under the scheme. Almost €35 million is being provided by the Department in the second round of funding for a further 386 schools which aims to upgrade toilets and roofs in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

The Department has approved the spending of more than €70 million in total under the summer works scheme to allow 772 schools to undertake vital improvement works during the summer months when pupils are on holidays in order to minimise any disruption to schooling. These improvement works represent applications submitted in categories 1 to 6 in order of priority. Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the scheme, applications were assessed on a top-down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the circular accompanying the scheme. Unfortunately, owing to the scale of demand for funding under the scheme, it was not possible to grant-aid all applications, including the application from Scoil Mhuire na Trócaire. However, in accordance with the scheme's circular, the school's application will be retained and prioritised for consideration in further rounds of the scheme in the future, subject to the availability of funding.

Despite the difficult economic environment, we are continuing to prioritise investment in school buildings which will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers. The school has received significant funding of €661,890 in the past eight years under previous summer works schemes and contingency grant schemes for various refurbishment projects, including toilet, mechanical and electrical upgrades, as well as for floor covering replacement.

I also wish to advise the Senator that the school received a minor works grant of more than €9,800 in November 2013. It is open to the school to prioritise the works it wishes to undertake within the scope of the scheme. Works to the school's outdoor area would fall to be considered under the terms of the minor works grant scheme.

I thank the Senator for giving me the opportunity to outline to the House the current position regarding the application for upgrade of the play area at Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire, Ardee.