Vol. 484 No. 2
148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for the improvement of facilities in the smaller rural schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21764/97]
Under a new devolved grant scheme introduced this year each national school is paid a basic grant of £2,000, plus £9 per pupil, to carry out improvement work to building, grounds, services and furnishing. Schools are not required to communicate with my Department in respect of works being undertaken.
In devising the new scheme, consideration was given to a payment based solely on enrolments but this was rejected on the grounds that it would be unfair to small and special schools. The basic grant of £2,000 was introduced to overcome this difficulty.
It is also open to schools to apply for grant-aid for works outside the scope of the devolved grant scheme. These applications are considered in the context of available capital resources.
