Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve funding for a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34479/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the expansion of the Small Schools Scheme, a grant was allocated to the school in question to enable the management authority to extend and modernise their school.

The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs, rather the terms of the Scheme require the schools to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.

A central tenet of the devolved scheme is that the school, granted discretion and funding, must equally accept responsibility for prioritisation, adherence to statutory regulations, as well as control of costs and ensuring value for money.

In this instance, having examined the application for additional funding, the Department is of the opinion that the project should be completed within the amount originally allocated and accordingly, further grant aid is refused.

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 being allowed.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the way his Department will provide national school places in Donabate, County Dublin for 27 boys in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34526/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has received an application for an extension to a school in the area. It has a band rating of 2. The progression of this project will be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally. In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for this project to commence architectural planning and appointment of Design Team.

However, it is open to the Board of Management to apply to the Department for a temporary classroom for the school year commencing September 2009.