Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department provides funding for outdoor shelters and the expansion of playgrounds in national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53107/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that funding for the works outlined are appropriate to the Summer Works Scheme (SWS). The purpose of the SWS is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small and medium scale improvement works that will upgrade existing school facilities, which can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The scheme is designed to address necessary and immediate works within the funding available.

Where a school did not apply under SWS 2016 and 2017, it will be open to the school, if it so decides, to make an application under a future scheme. Alternatively, a school may use its minor works grant to carry out the works in full or on a phased basis as that grant permits, if the school considers it to be a priority.