Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Application.

Tom Moffatt

Question:

143 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction a grant application for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo: if her attention has been drawn to the urgency of this situation and the importance of this grant for this school; when sanction will be given; the amount of grant to be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9442/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An application for grant-aid towards the cost of upgrading the play area at the school referred to by the Deputy was received from the school authorities.

My Department's professional advisers submitted a report which indicated that the works would be a desirable improvement. However, the funds available this year for improvement works of this nature are fully committed and it is not possible to provide grant assistance towards the cost of this project.

Funding in the form of a capitation grant which may be used towards the cost of maintenance works is provided to all national schools and it is open to the authorities of this school to employ these resources to rectify the surface of the play area. In addition, my Department is introducing a new grant scheme in January 1997 to cater for improvement works. These funds may also be utilised to improve the play area. My Department has conveyed these options to the school.