Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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293. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for the emergency works scheme that have been made relating to the provision of drinking water in each of the past five years; if his Department collects this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35439/17]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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294. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of times school authorities have contacted his Department regarding the provision of drinking water in each of the past five years; if his Department collects this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35440/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.

As the Deputy is aware, applications for funding to address drinking water issues in schools are made under my Department's Emergency Works Grant Scheme.  This Scheme addresses numerous different emergency type situations that arise with school buildings.  Due to the volume of applications received, the variety of reasons for them and the need for a quick turnaround, my Department does not categorise the applications received.  In the circumstances, the information requested by the Deputy is not available.

The provision of drinking water, as with all Health and Safety issues in a school, is a matter for school authorities in the first instance.  If a school authority has concerns about the quality of the drinking water on its premises, it should consult with its local authority and/or Irish Water for advice.  The school may also arrange for the water to be tested.  If any problems are identified through testing, or indeed, if there is a drinking water supply issue in a school, the school authority can let my Department know by submitting an Emergency Works Scheme application for funding to address the problems.