Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on a school (details supplied) following extensive damage caused by storm Éowyn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17845/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.

An emergency is deemed to be 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 EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.

As the deputy may be aware a Department official attended a site visit on 4 February 2025 to assess the damage caused by the recent storm to Tully National School under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS). The visit was conducted to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the necessary remedial works required to ensure the safety and functionality of the school.

The EWS team has engaged extensively with the school in question and the school has been advised that an EWS application is required and EWS currently awaits that application. Once received the EWS team will review the application and continue to engage with the school as appropriate.