Summer Works Scheme Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2014

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Ceisteanna (6)

John Halligan

Ceist:

6. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to his recent announcements regarding school improvements under the summer works scheme, in which only applications within categories 1 to 3, inclusive, 5 and 6 have received funding, if his Department has any plans to make any further announcements regarding applications received within the other categories; if he will be in a position to make any further funding available to cover unsuccessful applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23358/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Deputy will be aware that the Minister has approved more than €70 million in total on the 2014 Summer Works Scheme to allow 772 schools nationwide undertake vital improvement works to gas, electrical, mechanical, toilet and roofs. 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. At a time of limited resources, it was necessary to prioritise works in this manner. However, in accordance with the Scheme's Circular, applications from schools in categories 7 to 10 will be retained and will be prioritised for consideration under further rounds of the Summer Works Scheme in the future, subject to availability of funding.

Questions Nos. 7 to 9, inclusive, answered orally.