Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 1110: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action she is taking to upgrade and equip post-primary science laboratories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1293/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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, for the upgrading of science facilities exclusively or by provision of new facilities in the case of new or extended schools. I have also provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the sciences. My Department spent in excess of €13 million in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised junior science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Additional funding was made available to schools where other specified equipment was required. In addition, certain schools identified as needing new or refurbished science laboratories as a result of a 1998 national survey received funding.

Schools may apply under the summer works scheme for funding to refurbish science laboratories. Four schools received funding for this purpose under the scheme in 2004.