Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is any contingency funding available to assist a school (details supplied) in County Donegal with heating costs and water rates in view of the fact that they are not in a position to avail of the conservation measures being implemented by his Department to assist schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8901/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The temporary accommodation solution referred to by the Deputy was procured by the Board of Management of Scoil Chonaill and my Department meets the rental costs for the period. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that it is envisaged that the building project at Scoil Chonaill should be completed in the third quarter of 2011. With regard to water charges for schools, the Deputy will be aware that under the Water Framework Directive, the payment of water charges is required with effect from 1 January 2010. The legal advice available to the Government is that schools, like other non-domestic water services users, must pay the full cost of water services used on a metered basis.

My Department does not provide additional funding to schools to cover energy costs and water charges, which are expected to be paid through funds received from the capitation grant. Primary schools currently receive €337 per pupil in combined capitation and ancillary funding, which can be assigned according to the priorities of the Board of Management. I am sure you are aware that my Department, as is the case for all Government Departments, has had to identify efficiencies in all areas of its budget. It is not possible, therefore, to provide additional funding to schools for heating or water charges. I do not propose to provide a specific contingency fund to take account of the costs identified by the Deputy.