Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when applications for the Summer Works Programme 2023 will open, in particular category 5 for science laboratories; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8499/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.

The Summer Works Scheme plays an important role in the maintenance and upgrade of the condition of our schools. It provides important opportunities for enhancing the facilities in a school such as upgrading science laboratories and enhancing the energy efficiency of schools through upgrade works to roofs, windows, heating systems etc.

I wish to advise that a funding investment of €65 million was provided in primary and post primary schools in 2022, to facilitate the delivery of 499 projects under the Summer Works Scheme.

In addition to this, it is really positive news for our schools that Budget 2023, through the Climate Action Fund, will enable the provision of Photovoltaic Panels in schools up to 6KW output. It is intended the provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools and the rollout programme will operate on a multi-annual basis. PV panels will assist schools with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.

Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision.

As part of this planning for 2023 and beyond, my Department's officials are working on the arrangements for the next phases of the summer works programme. It is envisaged at this stage that, a new Multi-Annual Summer Works Scheme with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be opened for new applications later in 2023 for delivery of projects on a phased basis from 2024 onwards. Schools will be notified of the details of the Summer Works Scheme as soon as practicable.