1341. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to strongly consider an emergency works scheme appeal for a school (details supplied) to repair hazardous and unsafe flooring and carpeting which is in need of repair from a health and safety perspective; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57775/26]

The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding, on 26 June 2026, under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for fabric defect works.

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.

The application in question is currently being reviewed by the EWS and technical area within the EWS. Once a technical recommendation has been received back from the technical team, the EWS team 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.