Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 655: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views, subject to the approval of the school and the patron body, on a proposal to locate a community preschool facility at a school campus (details supplied). [15099/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The School Planning and Building Unit of my Department has not been made aware of any proposal to locate a community preschool in the school to which the Deputy refers. In February last, I announced the school in question to enter into architectural design for the construction of a new 16 classroom school on a site to be purchased by the school's Patron. My Department is considering the most appropriate design and construction model for the new building and will be in touch with the school authorities shortly in that regard.

Before any proposal regarding the co-location of a preschool facility could be considered, my Department would have to be assured, inter alia, that funding was available for the design and construction costs of the preschool accommodation. My Department's schools capital budget is for the provision of accommodation at primary and post-primary levels and does not cover capital costs for preschool facilities.

In addition, such a proposal may affect the choice of design and construction model for the school. Therefore any proposal, including full details of the size/specification of the facility, confirmation of the support of the Patron and the school authorities and confirmation of available funding, should be made to the Planning & Building Unit of my Department as soon as possible.