Summer Works Scheme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017

Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Ceisteanna (349)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

349. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to previous representations made to his Department and parliamentary questions regarding the urgent need to approve grant aid in respect of necessary upgrading works, particularly window replacements, at a school (details supplied), if he will give urgent consideration to this long-standing application with a view to early approval of the necessary funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36261/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is in receipt of a Category 7 application, for window replacement, under the Summer Works Scheme (2016 / 2017) from the school to which he refers.

The Deputy will also 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. Nearly 50% of all schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand. The matter of considering additional categories, including the application from the school in question, is reliant on further funding becoming available.