Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 487: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to accommodate a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 in another school building, in view of the fact that the school is not able to accommodate its intake in September 2007. [13954/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is currently in negotiation around the possibility of acquiring the building to which the Deputy refers. This process is complex involving as it does suitability assessment, valuations, price negotiations and attendant legal formalities. The Department is keenly aware that the issues concerned are commercially sensitive and that it is not a foregone conclusion that the building can or will be acquired. It would be remiss of it to make any firm plans for the building or to create unrealistic expectations until it is absolutely clear that the acquisition can be made. In the circumstances, the Department will be in contact with the proposed users of the building at the appropriate time.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date in acquiring a school premises for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; her proposals for its future use; and the time-scale proposed. [13955/07]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in the context of negotiations to acquire a premises for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11, she has plans for the use of the adjoining playing fields; and her views on making these available to a club for its use. [13956/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together.

The Department is currently in negotiation around the possibility of acquiring the building to which the Deputy refers. This process is complex involving as it does suitability assessment, valuations, price negotiations and attendant legal formalities. The Department is keenly aware that the issues concerned are commercially sensitive and that it is not a foregone conclusion that the building can or will be acquired. It would be remiss of it to make any firm plans for the building or to create unrealistic expectations until it is absolutely clear that the acquisition can be made. In the circumstances, the Department will be in contact with the proposed users of the building at the appropriate time.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to accommodate a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 in view of the inappropriate nature of its current accommodation; and the time-scale proposed. [13957/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department intends to permanently accommodate the school referred to by the Deputy in a building which it expects to be vacated post an amalgamation of three schools in the immediate area. Discussions are ongoing among the parties concerned to agree the structure of the amalgamation.

A technical inspection of the buildings concerned was recently carried out to determine the scope of works required to facilitate the amalgamation and to accommodate the school in question. Following this inspection, the Department appointed an architect directly to carry out the refurbishment works required. The Department will be liaising with the school authorities concerned to advance the projects as quickly as possible.