A survey of space and equipment in primary schools - rather than "a leaky roofs" survey - was initiated this week by the INTO following the introduction of the revised curriculum last year.

According to the union, teachers are concerned about this problem, which they say requires immediate investment. When will we get the science labs, the language labs, the general purpose rooms and the new equipment which are now becoming essential in primary schools?, they ask. This week schools will receive a questionnaire which aims to quantify the level of physical capability that they have for accommodating the range of new subjects and services.

The introduction of drama as a mainstream part of the school curriculum is most welcome, says Senator Joe O'Toole, general secretary of the union, but, he adds: "The fact is that in most primary schools its introduction and in particular, its development, is very much dependent on having the space of a general purpose hall or room." The majority of primary schools do not have access to a general purposes room or otherwise they have a space which is far too small for their needs.

He points to the plan to introduce more modern European languages in primary schools but "for this to be effective it will be essential that state-of-the-art teaching facilities be made available in certain cases". THE same applies to the introduction of science to primary schools. "Certainly in its early stages it can survive on pretty basic classroom equipment but as it becomes more comprehensive and focused it will require laboratory space particularly for the older primary school pupils," he says.

O'Toole says that most schools now require a secure storage room for expensive equipment and computers. Also, he says: "Parents are no longer willing to discuss their children's progress or problems in draughty public corridors and therefore schools need an interview room." He points out that there are now "far more regular visits from medical services . . . and therefore a medical room is required.

"Just as we reach the point where the majority of substandard primary school buildings are being renovated or replaced a whole new set of needs emerge," he continues. "The local primary school is becoming an ever more complex unit."