Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for summer works at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if approval will be given for the same application. [43315/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Since the summer works scheme was introduced in 2004, over 3,000 projects costing in excess of €300 million have been completed. With so many smaller projects having been completed over the past few years, the particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while showing the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. Accordingly, my Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008.

There was no summer works scheme this year. However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools. I have previously informed the House of my intention to have a summer works scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme in 2009 and the level of funding to be made available under the scheme in 2009 are being considered.