Olwyn Enright
Question:163 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when the minor works grant will be awarded in full to Donabate girls' school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16147/03]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
Olwyn Enright
Question:164 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science when the minor works grant will be awarded in full to Donabate Portrane Educate Together national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16148/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
The position regarding the grant scheme for minor works is set out in the school building programme for 2003, which was published in January.
The programme shows that €18.1 million has been provided for the payment of the full grant. The programme also identifies explicitly that there are two parts to the grant €12.5 million for payment of the standard grant of €3,809 to each school and €5.6 million for payment of the per capita element at €12.70 per pupil.
The published programme also made clear that an expenditure review of the scheme, involving inspections of up to 300 schools would be undertaken in the early part of the year. The purpose of the review is to ensure that the best use is being made of these funds by schools and to adjust the scheme in line with any recommendations that arise from the review. The review is about ensuring best practice and making the scheme as effective as possible. It is under way and it is intended to have it completed before the end of the current school year.