Troy alarmed at reports that school summer works scheme on hold

Fianna Fáil TD for Longford Westmeath Robert Troy says he is alarmed by reports that the Department of Education is withholding information from schools which have applied for funding under the Summer Works Scheme.

The Summer Works Scheme provides funding for vital building projects such as electrical works, window repairs, new toilet facilities, roof works and other structural improvements.

'In recent days I have been contacted by a growing number of school principals who are concerned by the lack of information available from the Department of Education in relation to the Summer Works Scheme,' commented Deputy Troy.

'One principal has been advised by the Department that no decision in relation to applications will be made until the appointment of a new Minister for Education,' he added.

“This is deeply concerning. There is an Acting Minister for Education in place who is able to sign off on the Summer Works Scheme.

'Schools cannot afford to wait for another few weeks before they learn whether their application has been successful or not. Arrangements need to be made now regarding the hiring of contractors to carry out works under the scheme.

“We are approaching the end of April. There is only a matter of weeks before schools finish for the summer. The risk is increasing that there will be enough time for schools to make necessary arrangements for works to be carried out under the scheme should their application be successful.

'It’s ridiculous that the government is putting an entire summer worth of works at risk.

“The Acting Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan needs to instruct her department officials to sign off on the applications under the Summer Works Scheme. School principals need to know now whether their applications were successful or not to allow them make necessary arrangements,” said Deputy Troy.