Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of temporary classrooms and prefabs which are in place within all primary schools; the cost in terms of granting these premises each year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25175/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of temporary classrooms is not readily available. The amount spent on temporary accommodation, including prefabricated accommodation in the last 5 years is as follows:

2006: €24.5M

2005: €15.7M

2004: €11.3M

2003: €9.4M

2002: €8.4M

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 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.