Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important matter. The summer works scheme relates to minor projects involving gas, electrical and mechanical works, roof replacement or repair, window replacement, toilet upgrades, structural improvements and access works. On her Department's website, the Minister for Education and Science refers to the benefits of these projects to local areas and schools.

Summer works projects are managed by the schools to which they relate and have had a major impact since the scheme was first introduced. I am aware of schools in my constituency that benefited from the scheme. It is amazing that I have been given the opportunity to raise this matter on the day when it emerged that students at a school in Glenville, County Cork, were obliged to attend classes in a converted toilet. There was major concern about this matter in the media today and the parents of the children involved outlined their plight on television news programmes this evening.

Several schools in south Tipperary were hoping to carry out remedial works this year. I know that arguments have been put forward that the economy is not doing so well and that there is not as much money available. A review is taking place but if we are obliged to wait for the results of this it will be too late. I ask the Minister for Education and Science to consider reintroducing the scheme on an emergency basis. I am aware of no other scheme which was administered in such an easy fashion, without the need for checks and rechecks.

I ask the Minister of State to bring the issues I have raised to the attention of the Minister for Education and Science. This is a great scheme and its reintroduction warrants consideration by the Minister. I hope the Minister of State is in a position to provide a positive reply.

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