Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1476: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of large school projects from north Tipperary on his list to be progressed and completed in 2008 as a result of channelling summer works scheme 2008 funding towards larger projects; the schools in question and works required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1100/09]

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1620: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of large school projects his Department has delivered in 2008 as a result of channelling the summer works scheme 2008 funding towards larger projects; the location of the projects; the stages they are at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2172/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1476 and 1620 together.

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 was 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 focused on delivering as many large projects as possible in 2008 and funding was not made available for a Summer Works Scheme.

The table highlights the large number of major projects which were brought to completion with 48 new primary schools and 3 new post-primary schools completed under the programme in 2008. In addition, 29 major primary school extension and refurbishment projects and the 15 major post-primary extension and refurbishment projects were completed in 2008.

Taken together, these major projects reflect the concentration by my Department in 2008 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 and represent an unprecedented level of achievement. I recognise the benefits of the Summer Works 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.