Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the schools in an area (details supplied) which are using prefab accommodation; the number of prefabs in each school; the length of time since the prefabs were first introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16910/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The survey of over 900 schools carried out by my Department was primarily carried out to consolidate information already available on individual files in order to set up a database of rented accommodation. It also obtained information on purchased prefabricated units in those schools. My Department does not hold records on an electoral area basis. However details sought by the Deputy are included in the following tabular statement which lists all schools renting prefabs in Dublin City and County.

Separately, arrangements are being made to conduct a survey of accommodation at primary and post-primary level using the Department's recently commissioned Geographical Information System (GIS) and this will establish the position relating to the extent of all accommodation. The specifications for this inventory are being drafted and my Department will be in contact with the education partners in relation to this later this year.

My Department provides grant aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists. Generally, where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring such temporary accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor.

Following analysis of costs in my Department, it is now practice to purchase rather than rent temporary accommodation where the need for such accommodation is likely to exist for more than 3 years. This should reduce the incidence of long term rental of prefabs.

A review of rental policy is ongoing which will, inter alia, cover an examination of the contract terms to incorporate buy out, buy back, rental costs and relocation options if local circumstances require it. The review will involve an investigation of all existing rental contracts between schools and suppliers with a view to identifying action to reduce overall rental costs for the Department.

In the meantime, schools proposing to rent temporary accommodation must seek competitive quotes from suppliers which should allow them to take advantage of changing market prices.