168 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education and Science when the proposed extension of St. Mary's national school, Bancroft, Tallaght, Dublin 24 will proceed; the details of the works concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12730/02]

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.

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. The school referred to by the Deputy is being extended as part of the Government's programme and is currently in architectural planning. The project will continue to the preparation of tender documents and the invitation of tenders, as soon as possible, under the expanded building programme.

169 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposed works to be carried out at Old Bawn community school, Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12731/02]

An extension to the existing classroom sizes is being provided at the school as part of the Government's programme and is currently at stage 6 in architectural planning. It will continue to the next stage as soon as possible under the expanded building programme.