Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the recent closure of a national school (details supplied) in Limerick which had to close as a result of rodent activity; her views on whether it is acceptable that schools should be forced to close for such reasons; the steps she is taking to bring all such schools up to an acceptable condition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13004/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. The management authority of the school referred to by the Deputy is given an annual allocation of €3,809, plus €12.70 per pupil, under the grant scheme for minor works which can be used entirely at its discretion to address such basic health and safety issues as they arise. The management authority of this school has an application with my Department for the provision of a new school building, which has been assessed in accordance with the revised prioritisation criteria and is being considered in the context of the school buildings and modernisation programme.

I have made a number of announcements about the 2005 school building programme since the beginning of the year, which included details of 43 school projects which are being authorised to proceed to architectural planning immediately. I will make further announcements on projects which will progress, on a phased basis, into the architectural planning process. The proposed project at the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this regard.