DAIL DEBATE

Schools Building Projects

DÁIL ÉIREANN

Sitting Date:  
9th March 2004

Sitting Time:
23.12

250. Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the school building programme for An Scoil tAthair Tadgh, Carrig na Bhfear, County Cork ; when he envisages this project being completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7594/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey): The proposed large-scale building project for An Scoil tAthair Tadgh, Carrig na Bhfear, County Cork is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie . This proposed project is at stage 4 and 5 - detail design and bills of quantities - of architectural planning. It has been assigned a band 3 rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multiannual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multiannual framework for the school building programme which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing in this year's programme. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.

^^ Breaking the Cycle Scheme. ^^

251. Mr. Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason St. Patrick's girls secondary school, Gardiners Hill, Cork, is not included in the Breaking the Cycle scheme, even though the national schools surrounding it are all included in the scheme; if he has satisfied himself that St. Patrick's has enough teaching resources to cater for students who require additional assistance; if he will include St. Patrick's in the Breaking the Cycle scheme due to the fact that there are areas of disadvantage in its catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7595/04]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey): The Breaking the Cycle pilot project is a primary school initiative launched in 1996. It seeks to discriminate positively in favour of primary schools in selected urban and rural areas which have high concentrations of children who are at risk of not reaching their potential in the education system because of their socio-economic backgrounds. Any decision to expand or extend any of the initiatives dealing with tackling educational disadvantage will be considered in the context of a broad review of all such initiatives to tackle educational disadvantage which is currently under way in my Department.