Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the applications for qualification in respect of the summer works scheme 2009 be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45807/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Since the Summer Works Scheme was introduced, 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 has been on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also 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 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.

However, I recognise the benefits of the scheme in addressing the needs of schools and 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 currently being considered and will be completed as soon as possible. The Professional and Technical Reports provided by schools for 2008 can be used again for future projects so that schools will not be at the loss of expenditure on them.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding to carry out works to ensure the safety of the pupils and also to ensure the protection of the school building at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45808/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school in question submitted an application to my Department for emergency funding.

Emergency works grants are made available to schools most in need of resources as a result of unforeseen emergencies of a capital nature that may arise during the school year.

Following assessment of the application from this school and in light of the large number of projects seeking funding from my Department for works of this nature from the budget allocated, unfortunately, it was not possible to provide funding under the Emergency Works Scheme on this occasion for the works sought.