Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the project plan for the installation of solar panels in schools nationwide; the assigning of resources to ensure capacity for delivery; whether schools will follow an opt-in or opt-out application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22413/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2023 included the announcement for the provision of fully funded solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with an output of 6kW for all schools. This funding will be made available from the Climate Action Fund at the discretion of the Minister for the Environment.

This programme is a joint venture between the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) and the Department of Education (DoE), and will form part of the Government response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 climate action targets for the school sector.

In respect of the roll out of the solar PV programme, I can advise that my Department officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this scheme. In parallel, the Department is developing the strategic management requirements for provision of a multi annual solar PV delivery programme for primary and post primary schools.

The solar panel programme for schools is detailed in the published Climate Action Plan 2023, to be developed with roll out of the multi-annual delivery programme commencing in Q4 2023. The Department is currently working to have the scheme developed and rolled out as soon as possible and ahead of the Q4 target timeline in the Climate Action Plan.

Department officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this scheme and schools will be notified in due course.