Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

In the case of the Cork Institute of Technology, I understand that recurrent funding for CIT has been increased in recent years from some €57 million in 2005 to almost €64 million this year. Its 2008 allocation represents an increase of 2.5% over its 2007 funding and an increase of approximately 12% since 2005. CIT has also benefited from substantial capital funding of approximately €80 million allocated since 1997.

The Cork School of Music, one of three pilot public private partnership projects undertaken by the Department of Education and Science, was completed in 2007 at a cost of approximately €51 million, excluding VAT. It is understood from the Cork Institute of Technology that in the context of the normal cycle of review and planning for next year, all faculties and constituent colleges have been requested to achieve efficiencies. It is also understood from the institute that, while there will be some small reduction in new part-time student intake, it will continue to offer the full range of music tuition currently available, including that for first and second level students, in the Cork School of Music.

I thank the Deputy for affording me the opportunity to respond to this House on the matter.

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