Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on a funding proposal regarding a proposed extension to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his Department is paying €34,560 per year in rent for prefabricated accommodation, and that the catchment area of the school contains a great number of low income families who are prepared to invest in their children's education if his Department would give them financial assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school's application for Major Capital Grant Aid has been assessed in accordance with the prioritisation criteria agreed by the education partners, and has been assigned a Band rating of 2.5.

The Department received correspondence from the school in early March 2009 in relation to their proposal to partially fund the proposed extension (50% of the costs estimated by the architect which the school has engaged independent of the Department) if the Department committed to funding the remaining 50%. The Department has not given sanction for the project at the school to commence early architectural planning. The Department will be responding formally to the schools proposal in due course.

Whilst the Department is cognisant of the effort invested by the school authority/community to address their accommodation needs, the part provision of funding by sources other than the Department cannot prejudice the priority as determined by band rating assigned to any particular project.

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.

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding a refurbishment project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12390/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that my Department recently gave approval for this project to proceed to seek planning permission.

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.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will make an immediate investigation into the whole process involved in the building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, which has not been completed to the satisfaction of the board and the local school community; his views on the need for effective action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12401/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in recent years the Department has introduced a number of devolved grant schemes. A key principle behind the devolution of these schemes is that responsibility for the management of the project is devolved to the school authority. The school authority can then make use of its local knowledge and presence on the ground to manage the project more effectively and ensure better value for money for the taxpayer.

The Department funds the work on receipt of the necessary certification from the school's architect that the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard. The contract for the works in such cases is between the school authorities and the builder. In the case of Scoil Ard Mhuire, the Department became aware of some difficulties with the project when it was nearing completion. Since then, officials from the Department have met the school management and have been in ongoing contact with the parties with the express aim of having the project completed satisfactorily in accordance with contract and at best value to the taxpayer. Department officials will continue to work with the school authority with a view to ensuring a satisfactory outcome to the current situation and the completion of the project.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will give permission for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick to move to more suitable premises which have been identified; if he will treat this decision as urgent in view of the lack of space in their current site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12471/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that the school authority, to which the Deputy refers, has submitted a proposal to my Department to move from the current premises to an alternative premises.

The proposal is currently being considered by officials in my Department who will be in direct contact with the school authority on this matter in due course.