Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1709: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 501 of 1 July 2008, when funding for the school extension will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30196/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered 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 this project at this time.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1710: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to upgrade facilities and the capacity of science laboratories at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30201/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the multi-annual school building programme, the Government has invested heavily in the modernisation of school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of all major 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. Under the current NDP, €4.5 billion will be spent on school infrastructure between 2007 and 2013.

Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Schemes 2004 -2007 to refurbish science laboratories. In the 2006 application form for the Summer Works Scheme, post-primary schools were asked to identify specifically, 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 for 2006. Over 60 schools were approved for funding in 2006 and 2007 under my Department's Summer Works Scheme to enable them to get science laboratories refurbished on a devolved basis.

Additionally, my Department has funded the provision of 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 €3,500 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.