Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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119. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to substantial concerns that parents of children attending a school of 277 pupils (details supplied) in County Kildare have expressed in relation to substandard accommodation, the prevalence of vermin in classrooms, the functionality of fire doors, unsuitable flooring and so on; if the school in question cannot apply for remediation or a new build process, or even minor works grants, due to a recognition issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39468/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department's over-riding objective is to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. This can sometimes necessitate the use of temporary accommodation, as in the case of this school, until my Department is in a position to provide a permanent building. My Department will continue to liaise with the school authorities regarding their long term accommodation needs.

The school opened in 2010 and is currently accommodated in temporary accommodation which is relatively new. It would be expected that with standard maintenance, the accommodation would remain in good condition for a considerable period of time. Following an application from the school management, my Department, under its Emergency Works Scheme, recently approved funding for repairs to the temporary accommodation some of which was caused by damage during the storms earlier this year. It is expected that this funding will address the issues raised by the school management in its application. The School Authority was also recently sanctioned funding for two additional prefabricated units to cater for increased enrolments.

My Department has received an application for the permanent recognition of the school. This application is under consideration and a decision on the matter will be conveyed to the school authorities in due course.