Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
398. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funds available to schools for emergency works such as the removal of trees that present health and safety concerns and that may prevent a school from reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16931/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIf the school authority considers the works referred to by the Deputy to be a priority, it may use the minor works/capitation grant which all primary/post primary schools receive to carry out the works in full, or on a phased basis as the grant permits.
Having said the above, it is open to the school to apply for funding for same under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme. It may do so if it believes that the issue in question meets the terms and conditions of that scheme, in particular that if the issue is not corrected it would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
Information on applications for funding under this scheme, including its terms and conditions, may be found on the Department's website at the following web address: https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Building-Works/Emergency-Works/. Officials in my Department will consider applications on their own merit should such an application be made.
