Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of school pupils in the Lucan area who are in temporary or prefabricated buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32854/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The information sought by the Deputy is not held in my Department in a readily accessibly format. 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.

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