Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given to opening the summer works scheme on an annual basis. [52588/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The current Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is being applied on a multi-annual basis.  The Deputy will also be aware that nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand. 

Almost €80 million has been approved to date under the Summer Works Scheme, in respect of over 640 school projects in categories 1-6. Details of the successful school applicants are published on my Department's website www.education.ie.

The 2018 budgetary provision will allow my Department to meet the carry over costs of summer works projects already approved. The assessment of applications in the remaining categories 7-10 as well as proceeding with any future summer works scheme is reliant on the availability of funding.