Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

120. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way he will maintain the quality of school buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42257/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department is committed, subject to available resources, to providing the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools.

The Deputy will be aware that the 5 year School Investment Plan announced in March 2012, provides for a €2 billion school capital investment programme, of which over €1.5 billion is being allocated to the funding of major school building projects, with the balance needed for the additional accommodation scheme, the prefab replacement initiative, the Emergency Works Scheme and the acquisition of sites. The Plan outlines the major school projects that are planned to proceed to construction over the duration of the Plan. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focussed 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.

Further to the Five Year Plan, my Department is committed to publishing a detailed annual programme in relation to individual major school projects commencing construction. In December 2011, details of 56 major school building projects to commence construction in 2012, the first year of the Plan, were published. In December 2012, details of 50 major school building projects were announced to commence construction in 2013, the second year of the Plan.

Details of the building projects to commence construction in 2014 will be announced later on this year. In addition, the allocation of further funding under the Government's "investment in Infrastructure & Jobs" package, announced in June this year, will enable a further 28 school projects, providing state of the art classrooms and facilities, to be progressed to construction.

The Deputy will also be aware of the biggest initiative ever undertaken to reduce the reliance on rented prefabs in schools.. Under the Prefab Replacement initiative 2012 (Phase 1), my Department provided funding of in excess of €42 million for the replacement of over 458 prefab units in 170 schools with permanent accommodation. A further €15 million has been allocated under Phase II of the Prefab Replacement Initiative, that was announced in June this year, for the replacement of over 115 prefab units in 46 schools. This funding will be used to replace prefabs with permanent classroom and resource rooms accommodation.

Details of all school capital works funded by my Department may be viewed on my Department website and this is updated on a regular basis.