Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of the proposal by the National Parents Council for parent resource libraries in all primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12274/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any submission from the National Parents Council regarding the provision of parent resource libraries in primary schools.

With regard to libraries generally my Department provides for library/resource areas in the design of primary school buildings. It is a matter for each Local Authority to provide a library service for schools in its area. While my Department has no involvement in the actual operation of this service, it does make a grant available to each Local Authority on an annual basis to enable Local Authority Librarians select, purchase, and deliver books to the primary schools in its area. The grant is based on the number of pupils enrolled in primary schools in each Local Authority area. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the estimates provision in respect of library grants has been increased from €1.5 million in 2004 to €2.118 million in 2007, an increase of more then 40% since 2004.

School managements may also use their normal school budgets for the stocking of school libraries.

On 17 January last my Department invited applications under the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) and RAPID Leverage Fund — Small Scale Capital Grant Scheme for Schools. A total of €18 million has been made available to my Department from these funds for approved projects that aim to counteract educational disadvantage. The scheme will provide capital grants for both the enhancement of existing and the provision of new outdoor play areas, school libraries, dining areas and parent rooms. Eligible schools include schools participating in DEIS, schools in or serving RAPID areas and Special Schools.

Having regard to the school libraries measure of the scheme, it is primarily to provide for the enhancement of school library facilities via either the upgrading of existing library facilities or the development of new school library facilities. Eligible activities include the provision of library stock, ICT equipment, fixtures and fittings and the construction and fit out of a new school library. Priority will be given to projects that enhance existing facilities rather than the construction of new facilities.

In general in newly developing areas the School Planning Section of my Department is working proactively with local authorities to explore the possibility of the development of school provision in tandem with the development of community facilities. This enhanced cooperation has the effect of providing local communities with new schools with enhanced community facilities.

My Department recently entered into a partnership approach with Fingal County Council whereby the Council will identify and acquire appropriate sites where schools with enhanced sporting, community and arts facilities will be built to the benefit of both the school and the wider community. It is hoped that this agreement will help to fast-track the delivery of schools and community facilities throughout Fingal.

A further example is in the case of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Adamstown, Lucan where the Department is working closely with South Dublin County Council and the developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. Under the SDZ arrangements there is a requirement that schools are in position ahead of or in line with demand.