Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary can submit an application for additional facilities or repair works under the summer works scheme. [31547/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The closing date for receipt of applications for the summer works scheme 2006 was 14 October 2005. While the scheme was initially advertised on my Department's website on 18 August last, it was subsequently widely publicised in advertisements in the national newspapers on 7, 8 and 11 September. These dates were specifically chosen to allow schools a settling-in period at the commencement of the new school year. In addition, publication of the scheme was brought to the attention of education umbrella groups and representative bodies for the purposes of bringing it to the attention of their members.

I am satisfied that, as the thrust of my Department's advertisement campaign took place after the appointment of the principal in question and that advertisements were addressed to school authorities, which includes boards of management, the school has not been disadvantaged relative to all other schools. In the circumstances and in the interest of maintaining the integrity and the openness and transparency of the scheme, I am not in a position to accede to the Deputy's request.

It will, of course, be open to the school authority to apply for funding under the 2007 scheme when it is announced next year. In the meantime the school authority can use its devolved grant for minor works to address any minor works it might need.