Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017
173. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the summer works scheme application submitted by a school (details supplied) to assist with the cost of window repairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52842/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of a Category 7 application for window replacement under the Summer Works Scheme from the school to which he refers.
The current Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is being applied on a multi-annual basis. Nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand.
Almost €80 million has been approved to date under the SWS in respect of over 640 school projects in categories 1 - 6. Details of the successful school applicants are published on my Department's website www.education.ie.
The 2018 budgetary provision will allow the Department to meet the carry-over costs of summer works projects already approved. The assessment of applications in the remaining categories 7-10 is reliant on the availability of funding.
In the interim, the school may use its minor works grant to carry out the works in full or on a phased basis, as that grant permits, if the school considers the works to be a priority. Details of the minor works grant for 2017/18 were announced on 5th December last and can be found on my Department's website www.education.ie.
