Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
445. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to multiple applications made by a school (details supplied) under the emergency works scheme; the actions she will take to ensure these applications are progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66057/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the 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 is 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.
The school in question have submitted a number of EWS applications all of which are different stages and outlined below:
#4898: Cat:2 Roof Works: The application in question is currently being reviewed by the technical area within the EWS. Once a technical recommendation has been received back from the technical team, the EWS team will engage further with the school as appropriate.
#5339: Cat1: Life Safety Systems: School were advised in May 2025, to submit further documentation. Once this has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and will engage further with the school as appropriate.
#5380: Cat1: Life Safety Systems: Application has been approved. Project currently with school to progress further.
#5474: Cat9: Fabric Defects: The application in question is currently being reviewed by the technical area within the EWS. Once a technical recommendation has been received back from the technical team, the EWS team will engage further with the school as appropriate.
In all cases the EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
