166 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding an application for an extension at Melview National School, Melview, County Longford. [9539/02]

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. 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 proposed building project for Melview National School will proceed to architectural planning as soon as possible under the Government's expanded building programme.

167 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when work on the urgently needed extension to Mount Bruis National School, Tipperary will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9549/02]

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. 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 and minor building projects in construction and this has given rise to a record level of building and refurbishment activity. A proposed building project for Mount Bruis National School will proceed to architectural planning as soon as possible under the Government's expanded building programme.