Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 756: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications and the name of the schools from which she received an application for funding in counties Wicklow and Carlow under the devolved scheme programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10354/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The information in the format requested by the Deputy is not readily available. Earlier this month, I announced details of funding being allocated this year to 210 schools, including four schools in Carlow and Wicklow, to enable them to undertake extension or refurbishment works under the Department of Education and Science's small schools and permanent accommodation devolved schemes. As part of a major expansion of the schemes, I am providing over €73 million to the schools so they can make progress quickly to deal with their building needs. The €73 million package covers a variety of school projects. Some 135 primary schools which will benefit under the small schools scheme. Funding of over €54 million, which is twice that allocated in 2005 and four times the 2004 amount, is being allocated under this scheme. The number of schools being invited to participate in the scheme has increased by 40% and the rate of funding for individual schools is being increased on average by 20%. Grants under the scheme now range from €275,000 to €820,000 depending on school size and the type of works involved. The small schools scheme, which is aimed at primary schools of up to four teachers where enrolment numbers are stable, aims to address accommodation requirements over the next decade. Over €19 million is being provided to 75 schools under the permanent accommodation scheme so they can deliver additional small scale permanent classroom accommodation. All other applications for capital funding will be continue to be considered for progress by the Department in the context of the school building and modernisation programme.