David Cullinane
Question:955. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education the total Covid-19-related spend in 2020 by her Department, agency and budget line item; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16274/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (955)
Written answers
As part of the Roadmap for the Reopening Schools, an estimated €639 million in additional financial supports are being provided to schools for the 2020/2021 academic year. Of this €639 million, €331 million was provided for the period August/September to December 2020 and €308 million for January to July/August 2021.
Provisional outturn figures for 2020 indicate that some €289 million of the total amount of €331 million allocated was expended. As a result of Covid-19 there were some savings in 2020 on original allocations due to reduced costs, mainly arising from school closures and reduced participation in State examinations, that were used to meet some other Covid-19 related costs during the year.
The table attached provides a breakdown of the €331 million allocated for 2020 and the €289 million expended by area of support.
Summary breakdown of Estimated COVID-19 Financial Supports associated with the Roadmap for the Reopening of School for the period August to December of the School Year 2020/21
|
Provision |
Total Allocated Aug/Sept –Dec 2020 |
Total Expenditure Aug/Sept –Dec 2020 Provisional figures |
|
|
Targeted Supports in Advance of Reopening: to facilitate preparatory works to be completed in schools for reopening including refurbishments/reconfigurations of school spaces and the set-up of hand sanitising stations and signage. |
€79m |
€78m |
|
|
Supports to Sustain Reopening: to fund additional teachers in schools, the replacement of teachers and non-teaching staff unable to attend work due to Covid-19, additional release days for teaching principals and deputy principals to implement Covid-19 measures, enhanced cleaning regimes and PPE equipment. |
€126m |
€106m |
|
|
Other Costs to allow for the Safe reopening of Schools: to fund additional educational psychological services to provide for wellbeing supports for students and additional Covid supports for the transport of pupils on the school transport scheme. |
€21m |
€0.05m |
|
|
Additional capital allocation: ICT grant for schools and additional minor works grants for Primary and Post-Primary schools |
€105m |
€105m |
|
|
TOTAL |
€331m |
€289m |