§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria he takes into account when distributing capital funding for the development of new schools in Northern Ireland. [88917]
§ Jane KennedyThe criteria for the allocation of capital funding for the development of new schools in Northern Ireland are based on educational need, prioritised as follows
the need to address substantial unmet demand for school places;replacement of sub-standard accommodation which is essential to effect rationalisation; andreplacement of schools that suffer significantly from several serious accommodation inadequacies.An economic appraisal has to be completed for each school and an appropriate stage of planning needs to have been undertaken. Where relevant, a scheme must have an approved Development Proposal.