Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the action he has taken to progress a new capital project replacement for an expanding school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he is satisfied from the ensuing Department evaluation that this project falls in line with good forward planning practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38530/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The school authority referred to by the Deputy has applied to my Department for major capital funding for a new school. The current status of all projects on the school building programme, including this school, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.

The Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework, which was published on 10th November 2011, sets out the demographic challenge facing the education system in the coming years. The priority now is to focus on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet the demographic demands. The primary aim will be to ensure that every child will have access to a school place.

The Deputy will be aware that since 2009, my Department has invested in excess of €811,000 in the school in question towards the provision of accommodation and various capital works. It is expected that the existing accommodation will meet the needs of the school for the foreseeable future.