Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm, in respect of all major school building projects sanctioned by his Department, that a 5% contribution from the school management towards the cost of the building applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20098/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Where a site for a new school building is purchased by my Department the full cost of its construction is also provided. In these cases the building is owned by the Department and leased to an operator. In general, where a school is not owned by my Department, a local contribution of 10 per cent of the project cost is required for school building projects. This is capped at €63,500 for new schools and €31,500 for extension/refurbishment projects. The amount of the local contribution for schools with disadvantaged status is 5% of the project cost subject to a maximum amount of €12,500. These arrangements have been approved by the Department of Finance and are of a general application. As the Deputy is aware the Programme for Government commits my Department to abolish the local contribution to building projects and to the rental of accommodation. This matter is currently under consideration.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet with Deputies from an area (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to a particular school. [20187/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.