Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to introduce flexibility to the 10% contribution scheme required of schools undertaking investment in new facilities in order that communities with limited resources will not be handicapped in their access to school development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12845/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The vast bulk of the cost of school building projects is borne by my Department. In general, where a school is not owned by my Department, a local contribution of 10% of the project cost is required for school building projects. This is capped at €63,500 for new schools and €31,500 for extension projects. The amount of the local contribution for schools with disadvantaged status is 5% of the project cost subject to a maximum amount of €12,500.

A change was made in recent years whereby my Department may purchase a site for a new school building and provide the full cost of its provision. In these cases the building would be owned by my Department and leased to an operator. In these cases no local contribution would be required.

Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a building project for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [12848/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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An application for an extension to the school referred to by the Deputy is currently under consideration in my Department. The assessment of the application includes a determination of the long-term projected staffing at the school which is informed by consideration of factors such as current and projected pupil numbers at the school, the likely impact of housing developments and existing provision in the general area. This process is under way at present. When this is finalised a decision will then be taken on how best to provide for current and emerging needs.

The building project required to address the school's accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2006-10.