Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:63. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education when her Department minor works grant monies will be paid to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18201/24]
View answerWednesday, 24 April 2024
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Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €4.5 billion to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day. The Minor Works Grant is one important element of this record level of capital investment in school infrastructure.?
The Department recognises the importance of the Minor Works Grant to primary schools. Under Project Ireland 2040, a commitment was given that the Minor Works Grant would be paid in either December or January of the school year to all primary schools, including special schools.? In recent years my Department’s approach has been to pay the Minor Works Grant to primary schools in advance of the start of the following school year in order to facilitate a better lead in period for schools to plan any maintenance or minor works during the summer period.
Between 2018 and 2023 in the region of €310 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants has been allocated to schools. The Minor Works Grant for the current school year 2023/2024, was paid in April 2023, to all primary schools including special schools.
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 the Minor Works Grant 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 educational equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds, the purchase of IT related equipment, ventilation improvements, and enhancements to outdoor learning environments.
Arrangements are currently being made for the payment of €29 million in Minor Works grants to primary schools and special schools for the forthcoming 2024/25 school year and these payments will issue shortly.?