1442. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has investigated alternative buildings for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63116/26]

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.

The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for a external environment project works.

The school's EWS application was refused on the basis that works being sought did not qualify for funding under the EWS as set out in Circular Letter 0068/2020.

However, the option remains open to the school to appeal this decision. Appeals will only be considered if additional relevant information that was not provided as part of the original application is submitted to emergency_works@education.gov.ie