Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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222. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if additional funding can be allocated to small rural DEIS schools, such as (details supplied), to cover health and safety essential works, given the significant financial strain these schools face in maintaining their facilities, and if she will consider their application for emergency works to be carried out. [36796/25]

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 in 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.

The EWS is open to primary and post primary schools with permanent recognition and in non-rented accommodation. To make an application schools must complete the online Emergency Works Application Form available through the Esinet system.

The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for external environment works. The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation and, on this basis, the school was advised to submit further documentation and clarifications.

Once this has been received the EWS team will review the application and will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.