Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered a report from a school (details supplied) in respect of the school building inspection report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50739/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has made contact with the school authority in question to advise that any immediate deficit in classroom accommodation may be addressed under my Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme. The school was also advised that should there be issues that the school consider would qualify for consideration under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme, that it is open to the school to consider submitting an application. I understand that the school is considering these options.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's current focus is to prioritise funding for essential classroom accommodation to meet demographic need. The Deputy will be aware that the National Development Plan (NDP) provides for an €8.4 billion investment in school buildings over the period 2018 to 2027 to deliver on NDP and National Planning Framework objectives through addressing the twin priorities of catering for demographics and ensuring a strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock.