Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 629: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will make provision for the upgrading of the science laboratories in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46971/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The school referred to by the Deputy applied to my Department for funding under the Summer Works Scheme in 2008 to renovate/upgrade the science and home economics facilities in the school at an estimated cost in excess of €1.6m.

My Department has focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 particularly in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme this year.

I intend to have a Summer Works Scheme in 2009. The details of the operation of the scheme 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.