Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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403. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the scheme announced under budget 2023 to install solar panels in schools; when this scheme will be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15001/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings.

It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.

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. PV panels will assist schools with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.

In respect of the roll out of PV panels, 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.

As part of planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme, the capacity surveys of the school system that are currently underway will also include obtaining up to date data on the number of schools that have solar panels currently. This is important preparatory work in planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme.