Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
593. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the funding for the reopening of schools drawn down in each county to date; the funding drawn down for primary and secondary schools, respectively to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22198/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on 27 July last the Government published the Roadmap for the Full Return to School, along with details of a significant financial package to support the implementation of the measures in the roadmap, following approval by the Government. The package of supports is expected to cost in excess of €437 million in the 2020/2021 school year.
The range of supports being made available to schools includes additional financial supports to provide for additional staffing, management supports, enhanced cleaning, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment costs under the Covid-19 response plans. The Government also approved a package of minor works grants as part of the July Stimulus to support schools to prepare their buildings and classrooms for reopening.
I can confirm to the Deputy that at the end of August 2020, €137 million of the approved supports have been paid directly to all of the country's State funded primary and post-primary schools. A detailed breakdown of this expenditure on a county by county basis is not readily available, but I can confirm the breakdown between primary and post primary levels with €62m paid at primary level and €75m at post primary level. Furthermore, the payment of €30 million of financial supports for primary schools planned for later in the year has been brought forward.
