486. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the interim improvement and emergency works planned for a school (details supplied) pending delivery of the school's new permanent building. [64136/26]

The school to which the Deputy refers has not submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for this issue, to date.

The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. 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 the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS).

It should be noted that the EWS does not provide for upgrades, refurbishments or futureproofing. The EWS is open to primary and post primary schools with permanent recognition and in non-rented accommodation.

If the school deems the issues to fall into the criteria above and as outlined in circular 0068/2000 they should submit an EWS application. To make an application schools must complete the online Emergency Works Application Form available through the Esinet system.