Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
86. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will reconsider the application by a school (details supplied) in County Cork to have wheelchair access provided before the forthcoming academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21945/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted a category 8 application under the 2014 Summer Works Scheme. The application relates to external works and disabled access.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced details of the schools that will receive Summer Works Scheme funding in 2014 in respect of applications submitted for Categories 1 to 6 i.e. Gas, Electrical, Mechanical, Toilet Facilities and Roof Works projects. In total, I have approved the spending of more than €70 million on the Summer Works Scheme to allow 772 schools undertake improvement works during the summer months.
Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications were assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Circular accompanying the Scheme. Unfortunately, due to the scale of demand for funding under the Scheme, it was not possible to grant aid all applications.
However, I can confirm that disabled access works are considered on an on-going basis under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme and this was outlined in the circular governing the Summer Works Scheme. It is therefore open to the school in question to apply for disabled access works under the Emergency Works Scheme. Details of the Scheme, together with an application form for grant assistance, can be accessed on my Department's website at www.education.ie
