Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 695: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools and post primary schools scheduled for construction in 2010, 2011, 2012 in the school holiday programme; the number of additional classrooms and extensions at primary and post primary level scheduled to go to construction in 2010, 2011, 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5382/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) in the first part of his question. The SWS is an annual devolved scheme financed from within the overall budget for the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

The development of a programme of works for the 2010 Scheme is currently underway. In this regard, the closing date for the receipt of applications was 27 November, 2009. Applications are currently being assessed and, in accordance with the timetable published with the Scheme, it is my intention to announce a list of successful applicants in the Spring.

While I am not in a position yet to say how many projects will be proceeding under the 2010 Scheme until the assessment process has been complete, I can tell the Deputy that since this Scheme was introduced in 2004, over 4,000 building projects have been carried out in schools at a cost of almost €378m.

With regard to large scale capital projects, I will be announcing details of this part of my Department's capital programme for 2010 in due course.