Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary schools that have dedicated up-to date laboratory facilities, fully equipped to teach the science syllabi at junior and leaving certificate level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9272/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the multi-annual school building programme my Department has invested heavily in modernising school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of many school building projects at post-primary level. Typically this investment involves 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.

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 €3500 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.

Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Schemes 2004 -2007 to refurbish science laboratories. In the 2006/2007 applications schools were asked to specifically identify and provide details of any science and technology upgrade or refurbishment projects separate from any other projects being applied for so that consideration could be given to approving these projects. Over 60 schools were approved for funding in 2006/2007 under the Scheme to enable them to get science laboratories refurbished on a devolved basis.

The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to take a proactive approach in the provision of the necessary facilities for the teaching of science in schools.