Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the application for funding for a physical education hall in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when this school will receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8346/10]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have outstanding applications for funding to build physical education halls; the year of submission of each application; the number of applications that have been successful since 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/10]

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application in 1996 for funding in respect of a physical education hall by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the school will receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8370/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 223 and 227 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a published prioritisation criteria system for major capital projects. Projects are assigned a band rating in accordance with these criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. A band rating reflects the type of works needed and the urgency attaching to them.

There are four band ratings in all. Band 1 is the highest and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are available on my Department's website www.education.ie.

Applications for capital funding for new PE Halls or for the extension and refurbishment of existing PE Halls attract a Band 4 rating.

My Department currently has 34 applications for funding for PE Hall projects. 2 applications, including the project to which the Deputy refers, are in architectural planning. A further project was announced to proceed to tender and construction in 2009. The applications for the projects in question were made between 1996 and 2008. Details of these projects are also available on my Department's website.

The specific information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of projects delivered since 2000 that also contained PE Hall works are not readily available in my Department and, in view of other competing priorities in the capital area, it is not possible to allocate staffing resources to the compilation of the information at this stage.

However, my Department's design guidelines for schools include guidance on the provision of PE Halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor hard play areas such as basketball courts. PE facilities have been provided, where appropriate, as part of my Department's school building programme. The Government is providing €579 million for the school building programme this year. This will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation including PE facilities.

With regard to the specific project to which the Deputy refers, this will continue to be considered for advancement under the School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with the Band rating attaching to it and level of demand on my Department's capital budget from higher competing priorities.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if contract documents have been submitted in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the documents were submitted; if they are being assessed and considered at the moment; when a decision will be made to have a contractor appointed; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8350/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The project to which the Deputy refers has been tendered and the Tender Report forwarded to my Department. Following an assessment of this report some issues have arisen which require further clarification by the VEC. Once this clarification process is complete and assuming that no further issues arise; the project will progress to the construction stage. It is anticipated that construction will commence in the second quarter of 2010.