52 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the state of planning for the provision of a new gaelscoil in Ballinasloe, County Galway; the reason for the delay in indicating to the board of management and parents his plans; if planning is at an advanced stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28106/01]

My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Gaelscoil Uí Cheithearnaigh, Ballinasloe, County Galway. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by the Government to the building programme at all levels. The allocation in the current year is £370.5 million – 470.4 million. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects and it is my intention to continue this rate of progress in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and in meeting current needs.

53 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approval for an extension to Milltown national school, Belturbet, County Cavan, has not been received; if he will grant approval; and if his attention has further been drawn to the hardship caused to both teachers and pupils at the school. [28177/01]

My Department has received an application for grant aid towards the cost of a building project at Milltown national school. The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a massive and unprecedented increase in the funds allocated by the Government to the building programme at all levels. The allocation in the current year is £370.5 million – 470.4 million. This is almost four times the allocation made by the previous Government in 1997. This level of funding has enabled my Department to undertake a record number of building projects and it is my intention to continue this rate of progress in overcoming the deficit arising from many past years and in meeting current needs.

Decisions relating to the rate of progress to construction of individual projects, including a proposed project at Milltown national school, will be taken as in previous years in the light of the allocations to be made for school building purposes in the forthcoming Estimates and when all budget decisions have been taken by the Government.