Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 499: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason primary schools are not wheelchair accessible in view of the fact that all Government buildings are supposed to be wheelchair or pram accessible; and the further reason schools are being refused funding for the installation of ramps to facilitate access to their schools. [6375/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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It is the policy of my Department to provide all new schools with access facilities and special toilets to cater for disabled students and teachers. In the architectural design of emergency evacuation routes, account is also taken of the requirements of students and teachers with disabilities. New schools with two storeys of more are provided with lifts. The school authorities are advised of accessibility requirements by my Department and the relevant design teams during the architectural planning process.

Priority is also given to applications from existing schools for grant aid towards the provision of access and other facilities for the physically disabled.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim under the small schools scheme for an extension to meet their accommodation needs for the school year 2007 to 2008; the position the application is at; if there is an update on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6380/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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An application has been received in my Department, under the Small Schools Scheme 2007, from the school referred to by the Deputy. All applications received under this scheme are under consideration and the list of successful applicants will be published shortly.