Holly Cairns
Question:258. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education when the minor works grant will be paid to schools for the current school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20049/23]
View answerThursday, 27 April 2023
Questions (258)
Written answers
My Department recognises the importance of the Minor Works Grant to primary schools. The funding provides good flexibility at local level to assist schools to manage and undertake works that support the operation of the school.
A total of €280 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants has been allocated to schools between 2018 and 2022. The Minor Works Grant for primary schools for the current school year 2022/2023 was paid in December in 2021.
On 11th April 2023, my Department announced €29 million in minor works funding for primary and special schools for the 2023/24 school year.
To provide schools with a good lead in period to plan and undertake works that will support the operation of schools going into the 2023/24 school year payment of these grants have now been processed. Schools will receive funding in their bank accounts in the next couple of days.
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.
The works that can be undertaken under minor works scheme include maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds, the purchase of IT related equipment, ventilation improvements, and enhancements to outdoor learning environments.