Vol. 577 No. 3
61 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools, primary and second level, likely to benefit in the course of 2004 from the extra budget available to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30993/03]
120 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional new schools and building projects that will commence as a result of the funds allocated in the Estimates and the budget for the schools building programme in regard to the number of additional refurbishment projects that will be commenced and completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30940/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 120 together.
The level of capital funding to be provided for the primary and post-primary schools building programme for 2004 amounts to €387 million. In excess of €200 million will be targeted at primary school projects. This compares favourably with the €342.9 million available in 2003.
I will publish details of the 2004 schools building programme this week. The programme is designed to give the maximum amount of information to managers, boards of management, principals, parents and students. It will also assure people that the programme is being operated in an open and transparent manner.
The programme will clarify the progress to be made on projects in 2004. It will be evident that substantial inroads will be made in 2004 into projects that have been waiting for funding for some time. The level of funding provided for the 2004 building programme is further evidence of the Government's consistent commitment since 1997 to education and the modernisation of school buildings.
Last week I announced the introduction of a new initiative for capital grants for smaller scale improvement works for primary and post-primary schools. It is an innovative feature of the 2004 programme and will be known as the summer works scheme. It is designed to fund smaller scale works at those schools that are most in need of resources. Successful applicants will know by 27 February 2004 if their projects will receive funding. This will allow them to plan and carry out works during the summer months.
