Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
217. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the reason post-primary schools receive a higher capitation per head than primary schools with regard to the minor works grant payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37454/20]
View answerSchools by their nature are generally much larger at post-primary level than at primary level. There are also a wide variety of specialist rooms and various plant and equipment at post-primary level that would not be a feature at primary level.
This all adds to a greater level of complexity to the management and operation of post-primary schools to have them ready for re-opening for September 2020 and continue in operation during the school year in a Covid-19 environment.
It is also worth noting that there is a greater level of flexibility in the public health guidance on physical distancing arrangements at primary level compared to post-primary level. This impacted on the scale of reconfiguration works that were needed in post-primary schools to facilitate a full return to school.
These factors were taken into account by the Department in determining the appropriate levels of minor works grant funding to operate at primary and post-primary levels.
A total of €90m minor works funding is being provided to primary schools - €60m was paid in July/August and a further €30m will be paid in early December.
A total of €70m minor works funding is being provided to post-primary schools - €42m was paid in August and a further €25m will be paid in early December. The balance of €3m will be provided to schools that need additional support.
