Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm the number of schools who have used the option to construct permanent classrooms since the introduction of the scheme in July 2008, which allowed schools with a pressing need for additional accommodation that was expected to last for three years, to avail of the option of using funds from his Department to purchase prefabs or to construct permanent classrooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I introduced an amendment to the scheme 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.

Funding is approved on a devolved basis for both options and it is then a matter for the schools to decide which option to pursue. 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 total of 84 schools have now indicated to my Department that they are pursuing the permanent option. However, there are a number of other schools who have not yet indicated which option they intend to pursue.