Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
937. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that applied for funding for ventilation or filtration systems in the context of Covid-19 under the minor works grant announced on 13 December 2021; the number that received that funding; and the amount of money that was awarded for these purposes. [43533/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minor Works Grant for Primary Schools of €45m and the Exceptional Minor Works Grant funding for Post Primary Schools of €17m in December 2021 was made available to support the operation of schools generally and particularly within a Covid-19 environment, with a specific focus on providing additional support to schools for the implementation of the ventilation guidance published by the Department.
The payment of these grants gave schools the opportunity to undertake any minor works including ventilation improvements at local school level. Schools did not need to apply to the Department for approval to carry out works or to purchase items to improve ventilation.
The grant was paid directly into the school bank account, or the relevant ETB where applicable.
Applications from post-primary schools in the fee-charging sector were considered on a case by case basis.
Where the costs of ventilation works, exceed the funding provided through the Minor Works Grant, schools can submit an application for additional funding under the Emergency Works Scheme.
To date 20 schools have been approved for additional funding under the Emergency Works Scheme to assist with ventilation at a cost of circa €1.27 million.
