88. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the percentage of eligible schools that have completed or commenced work to install solar panels under the free scheme for schools; if she will consider providing funding to allow private schools to take part in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38827/25]

Sentiment score: 0.22

My question is about the free solar panel scheme for schools, how many schools are in the scheme in progress and whether it can it be extended to private schools.

Sentiment score: 0.73

I thank the Minister and am delighted to hear her answer. I welcome this scheme; it is a great one. Even the rate of take-up the Minister outlined is impressive and is key to meeting our climate targets. It allows schools, as much as the rest of society, to address their emissions and reduce their carbon footprint. The Minister said fee-paying schools and private schools - and we must remember that not all private schools are fee-paying - may have access to fees that non-fee paying or non-private schools do not have. While I accept that, at the same time, if we are committed to this scheme as one that will reduce carbon emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels and allow us to get more renewable energy and, therefore, benefit the whole country, should it not be rolled out automatically to all those schools, rather than deciding that if one school takes in fees, it is ineligible or to parse the scheme in those terms? If the scheme works - and it clearly does - and it reduces emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels, then surely what is good for the goose is good for the gander and it will be good for all schools.

Sentiment score: 0.54

I am very grateful to hear the Minister is open to the expansion of this scheme. I appreciate what she has said. I believe the take-up would be strong among all schools if the eligibility criteria were extended. I understand entirely that no resource is infinite and the Government has to spend money where it is needed most. I welcome the Minister's commitment to engaging with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, on possibly expanding the scheme before its conclusion. There is a danger we perceive private schools as being schools with lots of money. The Minister will know there are many private schools, particularly those that address a minority need, whether a religious or other need, that charge fees but are not wealthy schools. The patrons, parents and families of those schools are not necessarily wealthy. They may be fee-paying or private schools but they still have limited resources. If this scheme is to work well, it should be rolled out to all schools.

Sentiment score: 0.06