I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
The Refund of Fees Scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the Marino Institute of Education.
For 2012 the total funding provided was €496,000 and this amount was allocated to 171 primary teachers and 270 post primary teachers. This relates to study undertaken in the academic year 2011/12.
For 2011 the total funding provided was €493,000 and this amount was allocated to 238 primary teachers and 306 post primary teachers. This relates to study undertaken in the academic year 2010/11.
For 2010 the total funding provided was €485,000 and this amount was allocated to 231 primary teachers and 301 post primary teachers. This relates to study undertaken in the academic year 2009/10.
Marino Institute of Education will shortly be accepting applications for the refund of fees scheme for teachers who have successfully undertaken a course in the 2012/13 academic year. The closing date will be announced soon.