Vol. 476 No. 7
289 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the lack of appropriate equipment in Barntown National School, County Wexford; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that this school is involved in the European education project and that such equipment is essential; if she will immediately provide such equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8325/97]
The European education projects refers to the part of the SOCRATES programme for co-operation in the field of education, through which schools from three or more participating countries can collaborate on an educational project which promotes the European dimension in education.
Funding for participants in Ireland is administered by the national agency, Léargas — The Exchange Bureau — according to the conditions set out in the programme. Provision is made for the issue of grants to defray some of the costs incurred within the programme which are directly related to the project activities. Such grants cannot be used to cover the cost of equipment.
Barntown national school is currently participating in such a project and has received three separate payments under the terms of the programme.
The capitation grants paid to schools towards running costs afford school authorities wide discretion in relation to the purchase of material and equipment for their schools.
