Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 616: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if an analysis has been carried out in relation to value for money in building new schools; the cost of a new temporary classroom in 2006; the cost of a permanent classroom in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34328/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is mindful of the importance of value for money in the delivery of building projects and is satisfied that the tendering process undertaken in respect of each major building project including new school projects ensures that the best value for money is obtained. The School Building Unit has a basic building cost in place which is a guide in monitoring the trends that emerge from the tendering process.

My Department's policy no longer facilitates the purchase of temporary accommodation. Instead, my Department has in place a Permanent Accommodation Scheme which gives schools devolved authority to address their accommodation needs with a permanent structure. The rate in 2006 under this scheme is €120,000 for a classroom and €60,000 for a resource room in the primary sector.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 617: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the plans and procedures in place to energy proof new school buildings and school refurbishments to ensure that they are energy efficient in view of rising heating prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34329/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Modern school buildings are built to a very high standard and specification, and this includes ensuring that they are designed to meet both current and forthcoming requirements for energy proofing. These standards and guidance are available on my Department's website.

My Department is also working closely with Sustainable Energy Ireland in relation to the use of alternative sources of energy in schools.