Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
458. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding a review of procedures for schools to have maintenance work carried out in order to minimise the administrative requirements placed on schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5502/26]
View answer459. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the merits of creating a section within her Department that carries out small scale repairs to school buildings, similar to ones used by many local authorities across the country to avoid the need to tender for private companies for relatively small jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5503/26]
View answer460. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on whether an unreasonable burden is placed on schools seeking repairs for relatively small repairs such as broken windows and minor leaks; the actions she will take to ensure that this process is as streamlined as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5504/26]
View answer461. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the frustration of school principals in relation to the administrative burden they are put under regarding small repairs to their school building; if she will engage with representative groups to address these complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5505/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 458, 459, 460 and 461 together.
The department recognises good maintenance as essential to protecting investment in school buildings and to ensuring an appropriate and welcoming environment for teaching and learning.
In the first instance school authorities are responsible for maintenance of school buildings. The Maintenance Guidance Manual for Schools provides schools with a simple and user-friendly manual that guides them on good practice in relation to maintenance of their school buildings. The manual was comprehensively updated and relaunched as a web-based resource in June 2024. In advance of publication, the Department engaged extensively with school stakeholders, who provided positive feedback on both the content and the user-friendly format of the updated version.
The department has several initiatives, and funding supports to assist schools regarding their maintenance responsibilities. This includes the Minor Works Grant, Climate Action Summer Scheme and Emergency Works Scheme. It is noted that the level of spend associated with small repairs, such as broken windows and minor leaks is often below procurement thresholds and can therefore be achieved through either single, or a small number of quotes. This reduces significantly on the level of administrative burden required for schools while allowing, often local, SMEs to carry out the works and build ongoing relationships with schools within their locality. Additionally, Building Officers are available across patron bodies to provide support to schools with building projects.
Building Maintenance Managers have been appointed within the department’s Planning and Building Unit to support schools by developing a strategic nationwide approach to school building maintenance. This includes the development of an Energy and Condition Survey which will bring together, for the first time, detailed condition data on the school estate. This survey is ongoing with close to 3,000 schools assigned to a surveyor. The inventory will be updated as assessments are completed, facilitating a live picture of condition across the school estate.
