Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the amalgamation of two schools (details supplied) in County Laois were not included on the schools building programme announced by him on 12 March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16342/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In view of the need to ensure that every child has access to a school place, the delivery of major school projects to meet significant demographic demands nationally will be the main focus for capital investment in schools in the coming years. The five-year programme announced earlier this month is focused on meeting those demographic needs. In that context, it was not possible to advance all applications for capital funding concurrently. School building projects currently in architectural planning, including the project for the school referred to by the Deputy, will continue to be advanced incrementally over time within the context of the funding available. The project for this school is just commencing the process of appointing a design team. Once appointed, the design team will commence the architectural planning process and will progress the project through the design stages up to and including the preparation of tender documents. However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression to tender and construction of the project at this time.