Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools and secondary schools that applied for the summer works scheme, before her decision to abolish the scheme for 2008; the names of all the schools in this category and the works they applied for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16972/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Over 3,000 Summer Works projects were funded by my Department since the introduction of the Scheme in 2004. With so many smaller scale projects having been funded in the last few years, 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.

In the circumstances, there will not be a new Summer Works Scheme as part of the Department's building programme in 2008. This being the case, details in relation to applications received, project details and cost have not been collated. However, I can inform the Deputy that more than 1,000 applications for funding were received.

I would also advise the Deputy that it is my intention to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009.