Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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1220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether her Department has received an EWS application to repair burst pipes at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56151/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy maybe 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.

With regard to an application for repairs to pipe works, it should be noted that, at the time of writing, the school concerned has not submitted an EWS application for these works. The emergency works team have made contact with the school to offer support and assistance.