Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the primary and secondary schools for extensions to existing facilities in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20634/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 353: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost associated with the rental of prefabs for both primary and secondary schools in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20635/08]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools both primary and secondary using prefabs as classrooms in County Clare; the age of these prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20636/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 to 354, inclusive, together.

Some 36 primary and 6 post-primary schools in Co. Clare have applied to my Department for capital funding for major building projects. The priority rating of each major project is established in accordance with the Criteria for Prioritising Capital Projects which allocates each project to an appropriate priority band rating on the basis of objective criteria. Following a review of the criteria, undertaken in 2004 in consultation with the Education Partners, amended criteria were applied to all projects from 2005 onwards. Progress on all major projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

My Department is currently working on compiling a database which will provide the type of information the Deputy has requested with regard to the rental of prefabricated accommodation. Work on this database is underway as part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken. Information will be collated on approximately 900 schools which have received approval from the Department to rent temporary accommodation, including but not limited to prefabs.

This will be used to produce a database of information which will be maintained on an ongoing basis and will inform my Department's future decision-making in this area. This work is well advanced and I anticipate it will be completed shortly.