Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 12 May 2009, the 60 schools he suggests will participate in the cost saving accommodation scheme he launched in July 2008; if any of the 60 schools identified have been formally offered the opportunity to use funds to build permanent structures; when he expects funding to be made available to the 60 schools identified to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20721/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated to the Deputy in my response to Dáil Question No. 447 answered on 12th May last, I introduced a further innovation, in July of 2008 which allows those schools with an urgent and pressing need for additional accommodation which is likely to last for more than 3 years, and who are being given approval for grant aid, to avail of the option of using their grants either to purchase prefabs or to construct permanent classrooms for the same amount.

The level of funding available is outlined in the initial letter of approval from my Department to the schools. It is then a matter for the schools to decide which option to pursue. As it is a devolved scheme schools may claim the first portion of the grant when the building works commence, 70% of the cost of the project, subject to receipt of the necessary certification and the balance when the project is completed. A tabular statement giving details of the schools that have indicated their intention to pursue the provision of permanent accommodation is set out below. A number of other schools have not yet indicated to my Department if they intend to provide a permanent accommodation solution.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools nationwide that are accommodated solely in temporary or prefabricated accommodation; if he will provide a list of such schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20722/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. Following a survey of over 900 schools across the country my Department has set up a database giving details regarding their use of prefabricated accommodation. The information gathered does not specify whether the accommodation in individual schools is entirely made up of temporary buildings.

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.

The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. The overall policy goal is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population, the necessity to put additional accommodation in place in a short time frame, and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet accommodation needs in some circumstances.

It is the policy of my Department to provide a permanent accommodation solution in so far as possible to meet accommodation demands presenting in schools. However, the time span involved in architectural design and obtaining planning permission processes effectively means that, in all instances, it may not be possible to provide a permanent accommodation solution as soon as it is required and in these cases temporary accommodation is provided as an interim measure.

In July of 2008, I introduced a new scheme which allows those schools with an urgent and pressing need for additional accommodation which is likely to last for more than 3 years, and who are being given approval for grant aid, to avail of the option of using their grants either to purchase prefabs or to construct permanent classrooms for the same amount.

I'm also introducing a new pilot project aimed at replacing rented prefabs with permanent modular buildings. This project will be targeted at schools that have older rented prefabs and need long-term additional accommodation. In 2009 almost €614 million will be spent on school infrastructure. It represents a significant investment in the school building and modernisation at a time of great pressure on public finances and is a sign of the very real commitment of this Government to investing in school infrastructure and will permit the continuation of progress in the overall improvement of school accommodation.