Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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301. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the schemes/grant-aid available to assist in the provision of facilities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28982/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical, electrical works and external works which could include the provision or upgrade of play areas.

As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. It is envisaged that this summer works programme will provide opportunities for schools to prioritise a category of works which can include for example upgrade of external facilities. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.