Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
248. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills to make further funding available under the summer works scheme 2016 prior to June 2016; and when he will make an announcement on the matter. [9396/16]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) will be applied on a multi-annual basis for the years 2016 and 2017. The Deputy will be aware that details of the successful applicants under the SWS (2016-2017) were announced on 28th April last, details of which are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
€30 million of the €80 million announced for the multi-annual SWS (2016-2017) is now being allocated for vital gas works and electrical upgrades in schools. 197 primary and post primary schools were included in the first round of successful applicants. Further funding will not therefore be made available for the SWS prior to June 2016.
Under SWS 2016 and 2017, valid applications from schools that are not reached for funding reasons from within the funding made available in 2016 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of funding available in 2017, subject to the overall availability of funding. If this arises, the terms and conditions of the scheme as outlined in Circular Letter (0055/2015 which may be accessed on my Department's website, will continue to apply when allocating funding to such projects.
