Vol. 466 No. 2
94 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education if she will approve an application for funding in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the small amount requested and the urgency of the situation. [11160/96]
An application for grant assistance towards the cost of upgrading the play area at the school referred to by the Deputy was received from the school authorities. The estimated cost of this project is £3,700.
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-aid towards the cost of this project.
Funding in the from 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 improve 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 correct the play area. My Department has conveyed these options to the school authorities.
