John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if insulation grants are available for primary schools to replace windows and doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51459/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department introduced an energy efficiency scheme in 2009 to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in school buildings across the country. The scheme which was implemented with the help of Sustainable Energy Ireland, allowed schools to apply for funding on a once-off basis to upgrade the fabric insulation in attics and the external cavity walls of their buildings. The closing date for receipt of application under this scheme was November 2009.

In light of the financial constraints imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of accommodation to meet the rising demographic requirements over the next few years results in there being limited resources available for improvement/health and safety works to the existing school stock. This is in line with Government stated aims to prioritise the delivery of additional accommodation in developing areas.

In light of the above, my Department is not in a position to provide funding to schools to specifically replace windows and doors.