Vol. 487 No. 7
261 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the allocation of finance to a primary school (details supplied) in County Wexford to carry out essential repair work and improvement to their facilities; and the reason the particular applications relating to this school have been delayed. [5138/98]
Due to the current level of contractual commitments, it is not possible to approve funding for improvement works at the school referred to by the Deputy. There is a significant backlog of projects requiring funding and, as there is a continuing need to keep a tight control on public spending, it is not possible for all deserving projects to proceed simultaneously. The needs of the school will be considered in the light of future capital allocations.
A new devolved grant scheme came into operation last year under which each national school is paid a basic annual grant of £2,000, plus £9 per pupil, for spending on improvement works to buildings, grounds, services and furnishings. This year's allocation was forwarded to the school this month and it may use the funding to carry out some of the required improvement works.
