Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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302. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of a proposal (details supplied) in relation to the future of an institution; if her Department plans to provide the necessary approval for the proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29018/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that Newpark Academy of Music is a private entity that does not fall under the remit of the Department of Education.

Any proposal to allow the Academy of Music to use school property after school hours is for school management to deal with.

Any agreed arrangements must be in line with the Department’s ‘Procedures on use of School Buildings and Sports Facilities outside of School Hours’. My Department is aware of the issues of this particular case and is interacting with school management on this matter.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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303. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is funding available for works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29019/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be 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.

As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, my 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. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual Summer Works Scheme with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.

Works that are not eligible for funding under the Summer Works Scheme are works such as painting or replacement of floor coverings etc. as this is work that should be addressed by routine maintenance using the school’s minor works grant.