Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 583: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of an extension at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [32092/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school in question was allocated funding by way of an all-in grant to a maximum of €100,000 to provide a temporary classroom. The sanction included, as standard, an option for the Board of Management of the school to use the all-in grant of up to €100,000 towards the cost of constructing a permanent classroom if it so wished. This innovation was introduced in July of this year to allow those schools with an urgent and pressing need for additional accommodation and who are being given approval for grant-aid to avail of the option of using their grants to purchase prefabs or to construct permanent classrooms for the same amount. However, it was made clear to the recipients of this offer that any additional costs arising relating to the construction of a permanent classroom would have to be met by the school authorities. In the circumstances, the Board of Management is required to take the necessary steps to ensure that the scope of the works undertaken matches the funding already sanctioned.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 584: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a letter from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow, enclosing a report from its insurers that confirms that this school is not a safe or suitable environment for pupils or staff members; if he will accede to its request to indemnify the board of management against any action; if he will give sanction for the building works to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32099/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Late last week my Department received a letter from the board of management of the school to which the Deputy refers enclosing a report from their insurers. This report is currently being examined by officials in my Department who will be in contact with the school authorities in this regard.