Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 900: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the annual rent paid by her Department for prefab buildings at primary schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14908/07]

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

The provision of rented accommodation provides an immediate solution to a deficit of school accommodation, and is often the only available option where extra accommodation is needed at short notice. The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools. The provision of rented accommodation is demand led and accordingly the number of schools in rented temporary accommodation can change on a daily basis.

The total amount spent on temporary accommodation, including prefabricated accommodation, in 2006 was €24.51m. The total capital expenditure at primary and post-primary level in 2006 was €524.68m, therefore, the expenditure on rental of temporary school accommodation for the same period represents only 4.67% as a % of the total capital expenditure.