Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have had a fair bit of engagement with the Minister for Education in relation to this issue in recent weeks. The minor works grant is normally paid in November or December. It is normally at a level of around €30 million for primary schools, as the Deputy has acknowledged. What was announced and paid out is a sum of €62 million, which is more than double the grant in total. The €30 million element of it - let us call it the normal minor works grant - is the 2021 allocation. It is not an advanced payment of next year's grant. We have provided substantial extra minor works grants to schools over the last two years to address the genuine issues that arise for them in adapting classrooms and making their schools as safe as possible for the pupils and the staff. I am happy to clarify the point for the Deputy. As the Deputy is aware, we have also provided minor works grants for secondary schools as part of this announcement.

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