291 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will arrange a site assessment for the provision of an extension to a national school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to allow the project proceed to design stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33502/06]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital works from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating. The long term projected enrolment, which will determine the level of accommodation needed at the school, is currently being examined. Once this is agreed and, consistent with its band rating, the school will be scheduled for a site visit. Progress on the proposed works will then be considered in the context of the Schools Building and Modernisation Programme from 2007 onwards.