Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his Department's specification in respect of classroom space per pupil, toilet facilities per pupil, ancillary rooms required, play areas an so on for schools in the range of 300 to 600 pupils; and if the detailed specifications are published. [41782/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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These documents cover all aspects of the development of a building project for both internal and external works. The level of facilities to be provided in schools will vary depending on the brief of accommodation needed for the school.

The standard size of a classroom being delivered for primary schools, whether through the generic repeat design (GRD) concept or traditional design, at primary level is 80 sq metres, including wet area, w/c's, storage and cloakroom facilities. 80 sq. metres is considered to be the optimum size of classroom and was determined by studies carried out by my Department and in line with international best practice. The details are given in Technical Guidance Document 022. This has been the standard size for rooms constructed in recent years. It allowed plenty of space for the range of activities carried out under the modern school curriculum.