Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm the status of a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath as a permanent school and in this context, the reason it was omitted from the five year building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15905/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The school to which the Deputy refers currently operates with temporary recognition and has applied to my Department for permanent recognition. My Department's Inspectorate has been requested to visit the school in this regard and to provide a report on the matter. The question of permanent recognition will be considered following receipt and consideration of the Inspector's Report and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority in due course.

In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet future demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five year programme announced on 12 March last is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently and the project for the school referred to by the Deputy was not included in the five year plan.

My Department is aware that the school referred to by the Deputy is currently located in rented accommodation and that a new school is required to meet its long term needs. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible at this time to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of a project at this time.