Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the budget and timescales for the roll-out of the summer works scheme 2018. We have spent in the region of €80 million on the summer works scheme in the past few years, and work has been done on almost 700 schools. It has been a very successful scheme. It is run by the Department and involves small and medium-sized works being done by the school in the summer when the school is closed. It has been very helpful for schools which need minor or, indeed, major upgrades, whether this is wiring, plumbing or issues regarding moving walls, playgrounds, etc. I acknowledge the significant work done by the Department and congratulate the Minister on the way he has dealt with priorities, with Nos. 1 to 6 on the list having been completed, while 7 to 10 have not been dealt with.

Is the Minister proposing a new summer works scheme for this year? New applicants could be incorporated within priorities Nos. 1 to 6. What is the timescale? We are two months away from schools rising and builders are becoming hard to get as there is a shortage of plumbers, electricians and masons at the moment. Builders and tradesmen have traditionally looked on the scheme as something they can bank on for the summer months but are now so busy that their availability may become an issue, something school principals also worry about.

Is the Minister proposing to move onto priorities Nos. 7 to 10? Will he take new priorities 1 to 6? When will this be announced and what is the proposed budget?