James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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289. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on a project in a school (details supplied); if her Department will review the emergency works scheme applications in relation to the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52700/25]

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 educational 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.

With regards to the project in question roof repair in sports hall, the EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. This application has been granted funding and is currently with the school to progress further.

As the Deputy may be aware, the EWS is a devolved process whereby the responsibly for the delivery of the project is delegated to the schools Board of Management using Department funding and guidelines.