Vol. 543 No. 5
496 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties involving the local contribution for improvement work to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will take steps, through an additional rural disadvantage grant or otherwise, to assist in the resolution of the problem. [27554/01]
Under the new funding arrangements for building projects introduced in January 1999, the amount of the local contribution for school extensions was reduced from 15% to 10% and, in addition, the contribution was capped at £25,000. These arrangements are of a general application and it not open to me to depart from them in individual cases. I am, however, arranging for an inspector of my Department to visit the school and discuss the particular circumstances with the school authorities.
