Summer Works Scheme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2013

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Questions (212)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

212. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of 13 November 2013, if he will ensure that priority be given to those schools who did not apply in previous years or were unsuccessful in their applications in previous years; if he will confirm that those who, because of the failure of the website on the deadline day for applications, were unable to complete the form online and sent hard copies of their applications will not be penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53939/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that commensurate with the level of funding available for the Scheme in question, applications are currently being assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (59/2013) is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. It is my intention to publish a list of successful applicants in the Spring. I understand that there was a technical problem with the online application system for approximately one hour on the last day for submitting applications. I wish to confirm that no school will be penalised because of this disruption.