I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department administers a number of grants which together aim to improve and maintain school buildings and which can be used to address the issues raised.
The Minor Works Grant for primary schools and the Capitation grant for post primary schools may be used to improve the physical infrastructure and appearance of schools without needing to deal directly with the Department.
The Summer Works Scheme (SWS), which is demand based, is designed to allow schools, on a devolved funding basis, to carry out necessary improvement works that will upgrade existing school facilities, which can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
My Department also administers an Emergency Works Grant, and its purpose is solely for unforeseen emergencies or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The Summer Works Scheme application form is published on my Department's website as and when each new Scheme is announced while the Emergency Works Scheme application form is permanently available on my Department's website.
