Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
549. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the minor works grant scheme; if the scheme is to be continued; if she will provide details as to the future operation of the scheme; if not, the schemes in place to replace it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40467/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCircular Letter 0062/2013 which was published as the Minor Works Grant for the school year 2013/2014 issued last November states "the grant will only be paid in future years as funding permits". The focus under the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012-2016 is on meeting the demand for additional school places. Consequently, there is no funding provided at this time in the 2014 capital allocation for the payment of a Minor Works Grant. I am aware that whenever my Department is in a position to issue a Minor Works Grant (to all primary schools with permanent recognition) it is welcomed by school communities and management bodies as a valuable contribution towards the cost of maintaining school infrastructure.
