Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received for the additional school accommodation programme for 2009; the extent of the estimated costs involved in such applications; the amount of capital to be allocated under the additional school accommodation programme for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24228/09]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the criteria that he has exercised for approval under the additional school accommodation programme for 2009; the schools that have been selected; the reason for their selection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24229/09]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason it has not been possible for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo to receive funding under the additional school accommodation programme in 2009 for the removal and replacement of two prefabs; if the application complies with the criteria for the additional school accommodation programme 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24230/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 to 201, inclusive, together.

Some 217 schools have applied for additional/ replacement temporary accommodation this year. 100 schools have been approved so far to either purchase temporary accommodation, to build a permanent structure with the funding available or to rent accommodation. Rentals have been approved where the duration of the need is likely to be short term. Purchase/build has been approved where the need will be long term.

The projects in question are currently out to tender. The value will be known when the tendering process has been completed.

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to approve all applications received. Therefore, in assessing these applications, my Department prioritises schools that need additional accommodation to cater for increasing enrolments over the replacement of existing accommodation as any other approach could, potentially, leave pupils without school places. The application from the school to which the Deputy refers was unsuccessful for this reason.

The following list contains the details of the schools which were approved for funding.