Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
404. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the additional accommodation application by a school (details supplied); when decisions on applications for the summer works scheme will be returned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38163/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department approved funding for the construction of one mainstream classroom at the school in question to facilitate a new teacher appointment from September 2016.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has subsequently received an application for a further mainstream classroom. The application is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the management of the school when the assessment process is completed.
The Deputy will be aware that I announced details of the successful applicants under round two of the SWS (2016-2017) for categories 3 – 6, last May, details of which are published on my Department's website, www.education.ie.
Funding of €47 million is being made available and 438 schools nationwide will benefit from this announcement.
In total, funding of almost €80 million has now been approved in respect of 635 schools for Categories 1 to 6 under the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017). Nearly 50% of all schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand. Applications under further categories will be considered in the event of further funding becoming available.
