Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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183. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will grant additional accommodation to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15364/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The school to which the Deputy refers was approved grant aid for 3 stand alone classrooms and a WC for assisted users. This grant aid was subsequently increased in line with the Department's recently revised basic building costs.

The Department reviewed the case again recently in light of planning conditions and unforeseen site conditions. I am pleased to be able to tell the Deputy that further grant aid is being made available to the school to meet these costs. The school has been notified accordingly.

The school recently applied for further additional accommodation and this is under consideration. A response will issue to the school in this matter as quickly as possible.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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184. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the opening of a pre-school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15365/16]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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202. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) which has applied to open a pre-school on its premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15659/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 202 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that, in general, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level. It should be noted that the vast majority of primary school buildings in the country are in private ownership, including the school referred to by the Deputy.

The Department has a general policy of encouraging the use of school facilities by community and other groups where this is possible. However, any proposal for the use of school facilities must be approved by the Patron/owner. I understand that the Patron/owner has not granted approval for the operation of a pre-school on the premises in question.

In 2005, the Department issued a circular to Trustees, Boards of Management and Principals of Primary and Voluntary Secondary Schools (Circular Letter Prim 16/05) to encourage Trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community, education and recreation purposes. This circular recognises that the decision ultimately lies with the relevant Board or Trustees and that the first priority at all times should be the interest of the school, its teachers and pupils.