Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
68 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of projects sanctioned under the summer works scheme; the commencement date for works; if there is flexibility built into the arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/04]
View answerA total of 442 projects were sanctioned under the summer works scheme this year — 292 in primary schools and 150 in post-primary schools. This scheme, which will be funded to the extent of €31 million this year from overall capital allocations, is designed to fund small-scale works for those schools that are most in need of resources. It will allow schools to manage their individual projects with little or no interaction with the Department.
Schools whose projects have been included in the scheme must, by 31 May 2004, confirm to my Department that the works are in hand and on target for delivery within approved cost limits or the sanction for funding will automatically lapse. The grant sanction will also automatically lapse if works do not commence on site, and if 70% of funding has not been drawn down within six months of the date of approval.
