178 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need to proceed with the provision of facilities to meet the requirements of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6243/02]

The allocation for primary buildings in 2002 is €153.6 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

Because of the greatly increased level of activity in the primary buildings area since this Government came into office, there has been a substantial increase in the number of major building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

A project to extend and refurbish the schools referred to by the Deputy is included as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.