I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 to 401, inclusive, together.
I can confirm that remediation for tap drinking water supplies is covered by my Department's Emergency Works Grant Scheme under the "mechanical" category. Mechanical components of a building incorporate, among other things, all water systems, including tap drinking water supply. It is also open to schools to apply for remediation works under my Department's Summer Works Scheme which, likewise, has a "mechanical" category. Primary schools receive a minor works grant too which they can use for this purpose if they so wish.
In addition, drinking water systems are automatically included in new school buildings and extension projects. My Department has dedicated guidelines for Design Teams setting out the standards to be implemented for these construction projects and for all remediation projects.
Officials in my Department continue to engage with the National Strategy to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water in public buildings. This will ultimately lead to an approach for addressing this issue in schools. I have no plans to introduce an audit ahead of this. It will remain the position, however, that individual schools can apply to my Department for financial assistance to address their own particular tap drinking water issues, as has always been the case, or primary schools can use their minor works grant to deal with any such issues.