395 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when sanction will be given for the tendering phase of the sports hall for Firhouse Community School, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6369/02]

The allocation for post-primary buildings in 2002 is €182.31 million, which is a record level of funding and demonstrates this Government's commitment to improving the accommodation situation in post-primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

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

A PE hall is being provided at Firhouse Community College, Dublin as part of the Government's expanded building programme and is currently at stage 4/5 in architectural planning. It is expected to progress to the next stage as soon as possible.

396 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the need for an extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the position regarding sanction for this project; when building work will commence on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6387/02]

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