I propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 711, 712 and 731 together.
A devolved Minor Works Grant is paid to all fully recognised primary schools annually. In November 2006, the funding for the minor works grant was increased by 44% on the previous year. Over €27m was paid out to schools throughout the country in 2007 to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil.
There are close to 3,300 primary schools including 126 special schools in the State. The Deputy will appreciate that the total number of schools will vary from year to year on account of closures, amalgamations and new school openings. In this regard, 22 new schools will open with effect from September next.
It is intended that the Minor Works Grant for the 2008/2009 school year will be paid in 2009.
The level of grant to be paid under the grant scheme will be considered in that context and in the light of the trend in the cost of building works generally.