Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 1754: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools and second level schools that have dedicated physical education halls and gym facilities; the number of primary schools and second level schools that have access to and use other State funded physical education halls and gym facilities; if these figures are not readily available if he will undertake to research the sports facilities and to revert to this Deputy once he has obtained these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30793/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The specific information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and in view of other competing priorities in the capital area, it is not possible to allocate staffing resources to the compilation of the information at this stage. My Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance on the provision of PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's school building programme which, between 2000 and 2006, involved the delivery of over 7,800 projects, with an investment of €2.6 billion and a further €4.5 billion is to be invested under the current National Development Plan 2007-2013. Close to €600 million of this will be provided this year alone. This multi-annual funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 1755: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a sports hall will be provided for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30798/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has received an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. 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.