John Ellis
Question:165 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education when the £2,000 per annum grant to national schools will be paid. [5865/97]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
John Ellis
Question:166 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Education when the £2,000 per annum grant to national schools will be paid to schools (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [5866/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
I take it the questions relate to the devolved grant scheme under which national schools will receive a basic grant of £2,000, plus £9 per pupil, to carry out improvement works to their buildings, services and furnishings. The current position is that some modifications are being made to the computer programme devised for payment of the grant. However, arising out of industrial action in my Department by members of the Public Service Executive Union, it is likely that there will be a delay in the payment. Consequently, I am not yet in a position to say when the grant will be paid. However, I can say that every effort is being made to resolve this dispute and to pay the money as quickly as possible.
Michael Ring
Question:167 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education whether a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved for a separate grant for electrical work needed in view of the fact that the £2,000 grant is not sufficient to cover the work needed. [5867/97]
An application for grant assistance towards electrical and heating works at the school referred to by the Deputy has been referred to my Department's technical staff for a report. When this is received and considered, a decision will be conveyed to the school management.