Charlie McConalogue
Question:16. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will commit to a permanent restoration of the minor works grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37962/14]
View answerWednesday, 8 October 2014
Questions (16)
Written answers
At the publication in November 2011 of the Government's Medium Term Infrastructure and Capital Investment Framework the emphasis in the education sector was focused on major school projects and smaller projects devolved to schools to meet demographic demands. Given the requirement to meet the need for additional school places over the years 2012 to 2016, it was deemed unlikely that Minor Works Grant funding would be available during that period.
However, the grant did issue to schools in November 2011 for the 2011/12 school year, and last November for the 2013/14 school year. The advice to schools which accompanied the grant to schools last November made very clear that "the grant will only be paid in future years as funding permits". I cannot yet give any commitment to restore this payment to an annual basis.