Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
398. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to health and safety concerns in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32483/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. 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 the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS).
In the case of the school in question it should be noted that a number of EWS and SWS projects have been applied for in recent years. However, there are currently no outstanding EWS projects for this school. The option remains open to the school in question to apply for funding under the EWS to address any issues which the school considers as meeting the criteria of an emergency.
