Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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178. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify that in the event of an accident on a road outside a school (details supplied), who will take responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49264/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) application from the school to which he refers, unfortunately, does not fit the criteria for funding under the EWS and the school have been advised it is open to them to make an application to upgrade the set down area under the Summer Works Scheme once it opens up for applications

The main purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation or on receipt of an enrolment application from a special needs pupil. An emergency is a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. The purpose of this scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies and to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. All applications will be dealt with on an individual basis.

The EWS has limited funding and applications can only be approved if they meet the criteria as set down for the scheme.

However, an official from my Department has been in contact with the Principal to discuss the Local Authority responsibility with regard to road safety on the road outside the school.