Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be approved for categories seven to ten under the minor works scheme (details supplied); when this funding will be set aside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51419/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2016 -2017 was applied on a multi-annual basis. The Deputy will be aware that nearly 50% of schools applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand.

Almost €80 million has been approved to date under the SWS, 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.

As the Deputy will be aware, Project Ireland 2040 included an announcement of a major package of investment in education for the next decade with the school building budget increasing by 70%. This investment will provide for the continued increase in demographics while also allowing for a greater focus on refurbishment and upgrading of existing school stock. In that context my Department is processing the remaining categories of project under SWS 2016-2017. In that regard, I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application under the SWS for a Category 10 - external environment project from the school referenced.