Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm in writing the verbal commitment given by her Department to fund the rent for a property at a location (details supplied) to provide the urgently required replacement school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2049/11]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to clarify for the Deputy that my Department advised the school authority in August 2010 that it was not in a position to grant aid the relocation of the school in question to another property. In reaching this decision, my Department considered the costs associated with a relocation together with the fact that a building project is being advanced which will provide a permanent solution for the long term accommodation needs of the school.

My Department did, however, agree to consider any reasonable proposal submitted by the school authority to provide improved accommodation in the interim. In this regard, an improved rental quotation for the property in question was submitted by the school authority. This new proposal is currently being assessed and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority in due course.

The Deputy will be aware that a new school building is being provided for the school in question. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department expects to commence the tender process for the appointment of a Design Team for the project in the near future. My officials will be in contact with the school authority in this regard at that point.