Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 627: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the summer works scheme for 2010; and the cuts under the budget 2010. [3818/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Over 2,300 schools submitted applications by the closing date on 27 November 2009 in respect of the Summer Works Scheme 2010. Following an assessment process which is currently underway, projects will be selected for funding from all valid and approved applications on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria published with the Scheme. When the assessment process is completed I shall be in a position to announce the successful applicant schools under the Summer Works Scheme 2010. The total funding available for the school capital programme 2010 is €579m and this will allow my Department to deliver a similar sized programme of large and small scale building projects in primary and post-primary schools as was provided in 2009. It is not expected that the Summer Works Scheme 2010 will differ significantly in scale from the Scheme delivered in 2009.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 628: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if all schools throughout the country, including DEIS banded schools, are subject to water charges; and if it is his policy to only allow schools in non-rented accommodation access to water saving measures under the summer works scheme. [3819/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Since 1 January 2010, all schools, including those within the DEIS programme, are liable for full metered water charges. In order to avoid substantial increases in their water charges, it is essential that schools put in place water conservation measures. Actions that schools can take in this regard were included in Circular 46/2008, issued by my Department in April 2008. Schools were advised to develop a water management plan, in order that they be familiar with the water distribution systems serving the school and the areas where water is used along with potential areas for wastage and leakage. Practical suggestions for reducing water consumption, along with examples of best practice, were also included. However, as advised to schools in Circular 64/2009, data from local authorities indicates that water consumption levels in many schools remains too high. Schools are urged to reduce water consumption to a recommended per capita usage of 2.1 cubic metres.

Under the terms and conditions of the Summer Works Scheme 2010, it is open to all schools with permanent recognition to apply for water conservation measures, including those with prefabricated buildings, whether owned or rented by a school.

The exception to this provision concerns schools that are occupying rented buildings from a private landlord. Schools occupying such buildings should contact their landlord to explore the possibility of having water conservation measures implemented by the landlord. The full terms and conditions of the Summer Works Scheme are contained in Circular letter 0057/2009, which is published on my Department's website: www.education.ie.