Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the purchase of a site by her Department and Cork County Vocational Education Committee for the development of a new secondary school in County Cork (details supplied); and if her Department is prepared to pay €500,000 for a suitable site in this regard. [35366/05]

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a progress report on a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [35424/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 549 together.

Before committing significant capital resources to the planned new school, it is essential to confirm that the provision of a new second level school in the area is absolutely warranted. In order to consider the matter thoroughly, a review of second level education provision in the area is under way. This review will take into account factors such as current and projected pupil numbers at the school, the likely impact of housing developments and existing provision in the general area. A decision will then be taken on how best to provide for current and emerging needs and site acquisition will be initiated, if this is necessary.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a progress report on a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [35425/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The proposed new eight-classroom building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The new school is as a result of the amalgamation of Kilworth girls and Kilworth boys' national schools. My Department's officials wrote to the school authorities on 23 September 2005 giving approval to proceed to stage 3, detailed plans and costs, of architectural planning and a response is awaited.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-09.