Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the appeals board has made a decision in relation to an application for additional funding by a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the steps she will take to have same expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31311/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €350,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide additional accommodation. The initiative allows boards of management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives boards control of the building project.

The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake wanted building projects. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fund-raising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.

An appeal by the school in question was considered by the appeals board and it is satisfied that, under the terms of the scheme, the school does not warrant additional funding. The board of management of the school has been informed of the position.