I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 120 together.
The level of capital funding to be provided for the primary and post-primary schools building programme for 2004 amounts to €387 million. In excess of €200 million will be targeted at primary school projects. This compares favourably with the €342.9 million available in 2003.
I will publish details of the 2004 schools building programme this week. The programme is designed to give the maximum amount of information to managers, boards of management, principals, parents and students. It will also assure people that the programme is being operated in an open and transparent manner.
The programme will clarify the progress to be made on projects in 2004. It will be evident that substantial inroads will be made in 2004 into projects that have been waiting for funding for some time. The level of funding provided for the 2004 building programme is further evidence of the Government's consistent commitment since 1997 to education and the modernisation of school buildings.
Last week I announced the introduction of a new initiative for capital grants for smaller scale improvement works for primary and post-primary schools. It is an innovative feature of the 2004 programme and will be known as the summer works scheme. It is designed to fund smaller scale works at those schools that are most in need of resources. Successful applicants will know by 27 February 2004 if their projects will receive funding. This will allow them to plan and carry out works during the summer months.