Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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563. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Department funding for a school (details supplied) that is left over from completed works can be re-directed in view of damage caused by such works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48823/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, 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.

Funding granted under the EWS is granted for the specific purpose for which it was applied, in this case to address issues with the roof and should only be used for this purpose. Any residual monies should be returned to the Department as a matter of urgency.

In respect to any damage caused as a result of works carried out, it is the responsibility of the contractor to remedy the damage and the school in question should engage with the contractor in this regard.