Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2013
86. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to bring back the minor works scheme for schools which were a vital part of the on going maintenance of these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13397/13]
View answerWhen the Minor Works Grant last issued in November 2011 for the school year 2011/2012, I stated that given the need to focus on meeting the demand for additional school places, it was unlikely that funding would be available for the Minor Works Grant in the coming years. This is borne out by the fact that in 2012, 85% of the capital expenditure in the school sector was in respect of large scale projects, additional accommodation and prefab replacement. The balance was expended on site acquisition, emergency works, furniture and equipment provision and commitments arising from earlier years.
The capital allocation that is available for the school sector in 2013 will likewise be expended primarily on the provision of additional permanent school places by means of large scale projects, the additional accommodation scheme and prefab replacement. Site acquisition, emergency works and furniture and equipment approvals will account for the balance of this year's allocation.
