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
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Minor Works Grant for primary schools for the current school year (2021-2022) was paid in December of last year - in order to give schools a good lead in period. Our intention is to continue the same approach of paying it early – either in December 2021 or early January 2022 - for the 2022-2023 school year. We will let schools know in advance of the precise payment date.