Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 902: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the alternative scheme she will introduce to replace the summer works scheme; when the proposed scheme will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36125/07]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 903: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements and provisions she has made to compensate schools who have incurred consultant fees in pursuit of a summer works scheme application following the Government's decision to discontinue the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36126/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 902 and 903 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Summer Works Scheme has, since its introduction just a few years ago, transformed the standard of existing school accommodation. With over 3,700 projects now having been funded under the scheme, the Department's intention is to concentrate the investment in school buildings this year on delivering as many large projects as possible.

While there will be a focus on providing extra places in developing areas, the Department will also be delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. The emphasis, however, will be on new schools, extensions and major refurbishments, rather than on smaller projects. At primary level schools may use their devolved minor works grant to address such works.

There will not, therefore, be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008.

The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools can be used again for future projects so that schools will not lose the expenditure on them.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 904: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have applied for the summer works scheme over the past five years; the number of schools that have sought to improve parking and set down and pick up facilities outside their particular schools; the number of these applications that have been successful and unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36127/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A breakdown of the number of schools that made applications under the Summer Works Scheme for the years 2004 to 2007 inclusive is set out below. As there will be no Scheme as part of the Department's Building Programme for 2008, the applications received have not been counted, assessed or categorised by the Department.

Improvements to parking and set down facilities outside the vested area of a school are not covered by the Summer Works Scheme. This is a matter between a school and the relevant local authority. Details of successful and unsuccessful applications for improvements to parking and set down areas within the confines of a school site under the Summer Works Scheme are not readily available.

Applications received under the Summer Works Scheme from Primary and Post Primary schools: