David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to assist in the upgrading of science laboratories in schools in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14374/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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In November 1998 my Department commissioned a national survey to ascertain the overall condition of science facilities in second level schools. In this context my Department considered a range of options to determine the most appropriate approach to addressing science facilities in post-primary schools.

Capital funding is provided from the annual second level capital allocation for the refurbishment of science laboratories undertaken as part of an overall refurbishment programme of a second level school. This funding may be used for the upgrading of science facilities exclusively, or for the provision of new facilities in the case of new or extended schools. Additionally, I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the sciences.

I have ensured a provision of €16 million in the 2004 school building programme to facilitate the introduction of a revised junior science syllabus and for the upgrading of existing science laboratories found most in need of upgrading or refurbishment in existing schools as a result of the 1998 national survey.