Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I am responding to this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley.

The school to which the Senator refers, St. Francis Xavier Senior National School, currently has two live emergency works scheme applications with the Department. I should explain first that the purpose of the emergency works scheme is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school, or part thereof, from opening. Delivery of this scheme is managed on a devolved basis by the relevant school authority. As part of our digital strategy and streamlining arrangements, applications for emergency works can now be made via an online portal called Esinet.

As I mentioned, there are two live applications for the school in question. The first application refers to a funding request from the school for roof works. A site visit was facilitated by members of the Department’s professional and technical team who work with the Department’s emergency works team, and it was agreed that a leak detection test would be conducted as part of the application. This application was originally received in September 2022. There followed a considerable period of engagement between the Department’s emergency works team and the school in respect of the application. The leak detection test and the accompanying report have been received very recently and are currently under active assessment by the emergency works team, which will continue to engage with the school as appropriate in respect of the next step for this application.

The second emergency works application for the school refers to a request for funding for the replacement of the existing redundant boiler, associated pipework and some ancillary works. This application was received in late March 2024 and assessed by the emergency works team and has been referred to colleagues in the professional and technical area for technical advice on the appropriate scope of works. Once this advice has been received, the emergency works team will engage with the school on the next steps for the progression of this application. I can provide more information in my follow-up because I spoke to the Department this morning about this matter, but that is what I have formally now.