Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 October 2024
101. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education to review correspondence from a school (details supplied); the funding options open to this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39286/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS in intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.
Regarding the matter outlined, the school in question would be required to provide a leak detection test to pin point the number of leaks and provide a costing to each fault. As previously noted the EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation.
Primary and post-primary schools that need emergency works must apply under this scheme by completing the online Emergency Works Application Form available through the Esinet System.
EWS applications can be found under the Devolved Projects tab.
