Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the rejection for funding in respect of a new mainstream classroom for a school (details supplied); the steps the school can take to appeal the funding decision; the specific assessments the school did not meet in its application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8925/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for a new mainstream classroom to replace an existing classroom. The application was considered and the school was advised that it was not possible to grant aid the application. A letter to this effect has issued to the school.

The capital budget allocated to my Department has been reduced this year and unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding it is not possible to grant aid all applications. My Department must ensure that allocations within the overall capital spend are made on the basis of overall needs, particularly having regard to the demographic demands that are in place.

It is open to the school to re-submit the application in future years and it will be considered in the context of the funding available under my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in the light of current competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project at the school at this time.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the school received funding in the amount of €497,500 in 2007 to construct two classrooms, undertake conversion works, upgrade the heating system, provide tarmac play area, install alarm and CCTV systems together with other incidental works. The school also received funding of €24,000 under the 2005 Summer Works Scheme to upgrade the electrical system.