I thank the Deputy for acknowledging the announcement in regard to cycle three of the PRTLI. In the past 12 months, work has been ongoing with the finalisation of a number of projects in cycle two of the programme and I look forward to cycle three commencing in 2004.
I did not say no progress had taken place in regard to multi-annual funding. As far as I am concerned, I have made good progress with the Minister for Finance. The last time I answered a question on this issue, I explained that it is not only the Minister for Finance and myself who are involved, rather, multi-annual programmes, particularly of a capital nature, must be negotiated with other Departments and no decision can be made in regard to any one Department until the figures and discussions are finalised for other Departments. We are now at the final stages of that process in regard to the multi-annual capital programmes. It will not be tomorrow, but I hope that we will shortly have a good idea of our capital envelope for the next three or four years.
In regard to the introduction of the junior science programme, I am delighted that the ASTI has withdrawn its circular and that schools can now set about teaching the new junior science syllabus. The last time I checked, over 400 schools had applied to take up that option. We extended the closing date to 15 November because the decision was taken so close to the original closing date of 31 October.
I indicated that the grants we promised, as well as the cases where science laboratories are necessary, will have priority within the capital budget this year at second level and I intend to carry that through. In some cases, refurbishment works or temporary structures may be required and money will be made available for them.