Departmental Policies

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Ceisteanna (561, 562)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

561. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will assist a school in County Kerry as a matter of urgency (details supplied) [34248/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

562. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently intervene and assist a school in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34266/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 561 and 562 together.

As 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 submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for toilet facility works. As previously noted, the EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation and, on this basis, the school was advised to submit a revised scope of works with an accompanying itemised cost breakdown.

Once this has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.

With regards Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS), the newly announced CASWS opened for applications on the 1st May 2025 and the application window closed on the 30th of June 2025, full details of the scheme can be found under Summer Works Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/). Unfortunately, schools who have not made an application under the current CASWS will have to wait until the next Summer Works Scheme opens to submit an application.

Question No. 562 answered with Question No. 561.