Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools in the primary sector that have had funding approved for extensions and the number awaiting approval, broken down by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13619/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Information in respect of the current status of all assessed applications for major capital works at primary and post primary schools, including details of those projects where funding has been approved, is available on my Department's website, broken down by county, at www.education.ie, which is updated regularly throughout the year.

The 5 Year Construction Plan that I announced on 9 March 2012 last, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. Details of these projects are also contained on the website, broken down by county. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focused on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers.

In addition, under my Department's Prefab Replacement Initiative announced in March 2012, over 170 schools have been approved to replace their rented prefab accommodation with permanent accommodation. In excess of €42 million has been allocated for this initiative of which €15.6 million was paid in 2012. This funding is being provided to schools to replace rented prefabs that are currently providing mainstream classroom and resource rooms for an estimated 6,000 pupils. In total 286 mainstream classrooms currently in rented prefabs will receive permanent buildings details of which are available on my Departments website.