Michael Creed
Question:110 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to introduce a discretionary capital grant for minor school repairs for national schools. [7343/96]
Written Answers. - School Repair Grants.
A new scheme to devolve authority to national schools to undertake minor improvement works to their buildings, grounds, services and furnishings will come into effect in January 1997. Under the scheme, approximately £11 million will be transferred from my Department to the national schools. Each school will receive a basic grant of £2,000, plus £9 per pupil, to undertake improvement works and will not have to apply to the Department for approval to carry out such works. A circular outlining the details of the new scheme will be issued to schools very shortly. The new developed scheme is a practical example of the implementation of the White Paper and I believe it will be of great benefit to schools.