Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 209: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on financial support for the purchase of additional space to accommodate a play area at a primary school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reasons for her decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10899/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware that the school in question was invited to participate in the 2006 Permanent Accommodation Scheme and accepted the invitation. This Scheme allows schools to proceed with small scale permanent building projects with minimum interaction with my Department.

The grant-aid awarded is to cover construction costs only and the conditions attaching to the grant does not cover the cost of any additional land which may be required. The existing site of the school in question is not owned by my Department. The securing of such additional land is a matter for the Board of management of the school.

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 210: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the programme of work for new and refurbished science laboratories in the Dublin area; the works outstanding in the Dublin 3, 5 and 9 areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10917/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The information requested is not available in the format sought by the Deputy. However science facilities have been provided/improved as part of my Department's record school building programme which from 2000 to 2006 involved the delivery of over 7,800 projects with an investment of €2.6 billion. Typically this investment involved the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science.

In addition between 2006 and 2007 over 60 schools were approved for funding under my Departments Summer Works Scheme to enable them to get science laboratories refurbished on a devolved basis. Additionally I have provided for class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences. My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum. Additional funding was made available to schools where other specified equipment was required. In addition, certain schools identified as needing new or refurbished science laboratories as a result of a 1998 national survey received funding. Funding continues to be available to schools that had not originally applied for the basic grant of €3,500 per science laboratory and for other specified equipment to enable them to provide the new curriculum.

The budget for 2007 is the first year of the roll out of the new NDP which will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings over the next 7 years. This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including science facilities.