Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
437. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the options available to school (details supplied); if she will consider a meeting with the school principal to discuss same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45012/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy maybe 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 Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school. It should be noted that the EWS does not provide for upgrades, refurbishments and futureproofing.
The purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
With regard to funding for the engagement of a suitably qualified engineer or architect to support applications under the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) and the Emergency Works Scheme, as outlined in Emergency Works Circular Letter 0068/2020, the appointment of a consultant is a matter for the school authority, and any associated fees must be met by the school. Likewise, under Circular 0029/2025, which governs the CASWS, the appointment of a consultant remains the responsibility of the school authority, with all related costs to be borne by the school.
The 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: gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/.
Applications for the EWS can be made via the esinet portal. All information is available on the schools esinet portal under Devolved Schemes.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, provides independent advice and guidance to school authorities on financial management, including budgeting and cashflow. Schools experiencing financial pressures are encouraged to engage directly with the FSSU, which has experience in supporting schools to manage and address such issues. Contact details for FSSU along with other resources can be found on www.fssu.ie.
