1489. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education and Youth the funding available to schools to allow for the installation of water refill stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26470/26]

My Department’s Planning & Building Unit (PBU) have advised that in the case of primary schools, each classroom has access to a sink with mains cold water supply that can be used for the purposes of drinking and refilling water bottles. In regard to post primary school provision, design guidance includes for the provision of a drinking water outlet in the GP/Dining Area, with a high spout capable of filling a jug/water bottle. The PBU design guidance also requires that incoming mains water supply is also provided at the following locations:

A drinking water tap at the Home School/Community Liaison Room sink, Home Economics Room sink, Staff Room sink, Meeting Room sink, First Aid Room sink, GP Area Kitchenette sink, the sink unit in each classroom in a Special Educational Needs Unit (SNU), internal drinking points at suitable locations within the building i.e. one per 150 pupils up to a maximum of 6 outlets and external drinking points in the play area i.e. one per 150 pupils up to a maximum of 4 outlets