Primary schools may use funds allocated by my Department under the terms of the grant scheme for minor works to purchase sports equipment provided such funds are not required for more urgent and immediate works.
The position regarding the grant scheme for minor works is set out in the 2004 school building programme, which was published in January. The programme shows that €19 million has been provided for the payment of the full grant and all schools received their grant payment on 26 November 2004. It is also open to primary schools to use their capitation grant to purchase sports equipment, provided such funds are not required for more urgent and immediate needs.