Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to ensure more open, transparent and regularly updated information to the public about applications by schools for school buildings and extensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21104/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year. I wish to advise the Deputy that since becoming Minister, I have taken a keen interest in the operation of my Department's School Building and Planning Unit. I have visited the School Building and Planning Unit in Tullamore, Co. Offaly to meet with all members of staff and to discuss what reforms can be brought about to make the planning and construction process more transparent.

I have also asked my officials to look at the band rating system which uses various criteria to prioritise school building projects. I believe that any change should be guided by the needs of school communities so that all involved can clearly see what stage their particular project is at.

In addition, my Department is holding exploratory talks at present with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) to progress the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop an inventory of school accommodation.