641 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an application for a school extension by St. Mary's national school, Castlerahan, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan was lodged in November 1999, the roll at the school has increased and the general purpose room is unsafe for children and has only single glazed walls; and if sanction can be confirmed for the school. [8055/02]

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 accommodation in primary schools. This is almost four times the previous Government's investment in 1997.

Due to 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 and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity.

My Department expects to be in a position during this year to give detailed consideration to an application from St. Mary's national school, Castlerahan for improved accommodation as part of the expanded building programme. The school authorities will be informed of developments.