Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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368. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of schools which will get solar panels; the number of schools on an annual basis that will be fitted with free solar PV panels under recently announced proposals; the total amount of funding that will be made available on an annual basis to complete this programme of works; if he will outline the process by which this will be rolled out; if there will be a prioritisation list for certain schools getting fitted with solar panels first; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57891/22]

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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369. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for when each school in Ireland will get free solar PV panels as part of Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57892/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 368 and 369 together.

As the Deputy is aware Budget 2023 provided for the provision of funding from the Climate Action Fund in relation to the provision of Photovoltaic Panels in schools up to 6KW output.

This is really positive news for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.

My Department's Officials are working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications colleagues in relation to the arrangements for this multi-annual scheme and details will be announced in due course.

It is intended the provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools.