I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 272 together.
The National Council for Curriculum & Assessment has developed a new syllabus at Leaving Certificate for Technology; prior to this the subject was available to Junior Certificate level only. The subject was first introduced into Post-Primary schools in September 2007 and will be examined for the first time by the State Examinations Commission in June 2009.
15 additional schools were invited to introduce the Leaving Certificate Technology syllabus in September 2008 as part of a phased implementation plan. My Department has contacted the Principals of each of the additional schools to advise that in light of the competing demands on the available budget, it was not possible to approve funding at this time but that it is anticipated that the grant will be paid early in the new year.