THE Irish Air Corps spent €57,000 as part of the controversial Science Challenge programme, which was shut down by the government amidst controversy over runaway spending at the state training agency Fás.

The programme, which was wound down a number of months ago, also involved apprentices from the Air Corps, an internal review of its operations has stated.

The Defence Forces said it had sent 20 personnel to the US to take part in the programme at a cost per student of €2,892, it has emerged.

A statement from the forces said: "The Air Corps send four apprentices every year for training under the Fás scheme. The cost to the Defence Forces since this scheme commenced is as follows… €57,858.36."

It is understood many of the costs related to the
provision of travel and accommodation for the students when in Florida. The majority of the bill, however, was paid for by Fás, the Sunday Tribune understands.

The participation of the Air Corps in the Science Challenge has ended as a result of the closure of the programme.

Details released by the Defence Forces show that €13,564 was spent in 2004 sending students abroad, and €15,900 the following year.

By 2008, the cost per student had declined significantly, with just €10,181 spent sending four apprentices for training in America.

A statement said: "There are no additional costs to the Defence Forces for flights, hotels, advertising, training etc. Since 2004, the Air Corps sent 20 apprentices to the US. This scheme is of great benefit to the Defence Forces."