Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1462: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for funding for a new school at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and the priority band of the school. [1038/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The proposed project to which the Deputy refers, has a Band 2 rating under my Department's prioritisation criteria and is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1463: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made regarding the provision of a new second level school for Croom, County Limerick, to replace a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1039/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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It is my Department's intention to provide a new building for the school to which the Deputy refers. Schedules of accommodation have been drawn up on the basis of accommodation for 800 pupils.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 1464: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No 463 of 9 December 2008, the status of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1046/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, funding of €1million has been approved from the Dormant Accounts Educational Disadvantage Programme for a scheme to assist 100 disadvantaged schools progress towards achieving Digital School Status. As the school in question is not one of the 100 Primary Urban Band 1 DEIS schools serving the most disadvantaged communities, its application for inclusion in the scheme could not be considered and the Deputy was advised accordingly. The announcement made on 5th January related to the provision of €2.2m in ICT equipment grants for 72 primary schools in which a newly constructed school or large-scale extension was completed in 2008. These grants are payable under my Department's School Building Programme and are only payable to schools where major construction work was completed in 2008. As the school in question does not fall into this category, it is not eligible for this specific funding. I acknowledge the need for ongoing investment in schools' ICT infrastructure and I remain committed to investing in this area within available resources. I would point out to the Deputy that it is open to the school concerned to use the Minor Works grant for National School Properties to purchase ICT equipment. The grant for 2008/09 has recently issued to schools on the basis of a €5,500 basic grant per school plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil.