Fianna Fáil has called on the Acting Education Minister to sign off on applications under the Summer Works Scheme.

TD for Longford - Westmeath Robert Troy also accused the Department of Education of "withholding information" for schools which have applied for funding.

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

Deputy Troy said: "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.

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"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."

(CD/MH)