Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the criteria under which schools that are awaiting approval for an extension or for a new school building will be assessed; the way his Department's priority band rating will operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31661/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The priority rating of each individual building project is established in accordance with the Criteria for Prioritising Large Scale Projects (Primary and Post-primary) which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie. In accordance with the criteria set down, each project is allocated to an appropriate priority band rating on the basis of objective criteria. A review of the criteria for prioritising large-scale projects was undertaken in consultation with the Education Partners in early 2004 to ensure that the criteria have the optimum precision and are fully tuned to meeting the priority accommodation needs of primary and post-primary schools. The revised criteria have been seen as bringing greater clarity and focus to the system. The amended criteria are applied to all projects that proceed to tender and construction.

The number of building projects under consideration can change on a day to day basis as new applications are received and existing applications are progressed in my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that this investment must continue to be targeted using the published prioritisation criteria. Details of projects to move forward under the programme will be published as and when they are ready to be advanced in the context of capital expenditure requirements.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the different levels of the priority rating bands that exist for schools awaiting approval for new school buildings or extensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31662/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. More detailed information relating to the prioritisation system for school building projects is available on my Department's website.