Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if funding for facilities for disadvantaged schools is still available (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17007/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Among the priority funding measures approved for support in 2006/2007 under the Educational Disadvantage category of the Dormant Account Fund and the RAPID Leverage Fund, was a scheme addressing educational infrastructure in disadvantaged schools. Eligibility for the scheme was restricted to primary and post primary schools participating in my Department's DEIS programme, schools in, or serving, RAPID areas and special schools.

The scheme consists of four measures and a number of sub-measures. The four measures are: Outdoor Play Facilities; Libraries; Parent Rooms; and Dining Areas. Schools were allowed to submit prioritised proposals under each of the measures. To date, total of €24.5 million has been made available to fund the scheme.

Due to the volume of applications received, the assessment process has had to be carried out on a phased basis. Under previous funding rounds, 447 outdoor play facilities and 146 library enhancement projects have been approved for a total of €11.26 million in grant aid.

Proposals identified by schools as either their first or second priority under the Parent Room measure, including the proposal referred to by the Deputy, have now been assessed and the applications rated as meriting funding have been determined. Lower priorities have not been assessed because there is insufficient funding. Government approval will be sought during May for Parent Room projects valued at approximately €3.5 million in total. Following approval, my Department will write to the schools concerned to advise them of the outcome of their applications.