Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amounts being paid for the rental of prefabricated classrooms in each county in 2007 and to date in 2008, with details for both primary and secondary level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31691/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the rental charges for prefabricated classrooms are fully paid up to date with details on a county basis for primary and secondary level schools; if rental charges for these structures has not been paid up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31692/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the rental payment schedule for pre-fab classrooms on a county basis to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31693/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 to 282, inclusive, together.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resources and teachers to schools in recent years, the Government prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible rather than making children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided in all cases.

The rapid increase in the school going population has also meant that a large number of new schools have been established in recent years, under the process for the recognition of new schools conducted by the New Schools Advisory Committee. It is the general practice of my Department not to provide permanent accommodation for schools which have only received temporary recognition. When the school receives permanent recognition, it is then open to the school to apply for funding for permanent accommodation.

Some schools with immediate additional accommodation needs are accommodated in prefabricated buildings, while others rent permanent premises.

The information sought by the Deputy is not held by my Department on a county-by-county basis. Nor does it distinguish between rental payments for permanent premises and prefabricated buildings. However, the information on overall expenditure for 2007 and to the end of August 2008 for rental of temporary accommodation in the primary and post-primary sectors is provided in the attached tabular statement.

My Department grant aids schools to enable them to pay rent for approved temporary accommodation. This grant aid is paid to the schools on submission to my Department of valid invoices verifying that the school is renting the accommodation in accordance with the terms under which sanction was given.

My Department will continue to provide funding for such prefabricated accommodation and the decision on whether to rent or purchase will depend on the likely length of time it will be required. In all cases, the approach will be to ensure best value for money.