Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

57. To ask the Taoiseach the amount the blue star programme costs; the percentage of this cost borne by the Irish taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16270/14]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Blue Star programme is part of the Government’s Communicating Europe Initiative. The aim of the programme is to foster better understanding and knowledge among primary school children of the European Union and how the EU affects our lives.

The invitation to tender for the role of National Coordinator for the Blue Star programme was published on the eTenders Public Procurement website in October 2011. European Movement Ireland was awarded the contract on the basis of most economically advantageous tender. On the basis of the successful implementation of the pilot phase in the school year 2011-12, the programme was renewed for a further two years in accordance with the terms of the contract.

The costs (excluding VAT) of the programme over the term of the contract, which is now in its final year, are set out below:

In 2012, the costs of the programme transferred to the Vote of my Department from the Vote of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The programme has grown significantly over the period of the contract, from 30 schools in 12 counties in the pilot year, to 106 schools from 24 counties registered for this year's programme. Blue Star programme reports on the first two years are available on my Department's website and the report of the final year will be published in the coming months. A decision on the future approach to the programme will be taken in due course.