Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be very clear. All moneys due to schools have been paid. I confirmed to the Deputy that all moneys in respect of the minor works payment have been paid. It is important to say that, over the past three years, not only have minor works grants been paid, we have also on occasion seen double the money for minor works being paid to schools. Equally, throughout the Covid period in 2020, we saw a doubling of the money, or €100 million, being paid and, in the following year, we also saw €100 million, which was also a doubling of the money being paid, for ICT grants. It is not just that the money is being paid. In some instances it is being paid on the double. That is quite a significant investment from the Department.

The Deputy specifically referenced school secretaries. She will be well aware, as will the House, of the change in circumstances relating to school secretaries and their wish to be paid distinct from the block grant that went to schools. A considerable body of work was undertaken by the Department on this matter, and I acknowledge the unanimity of everyone in the House on wanting to progress and do that work, which is well under way and has been greeted very positively by all within that sector. Significant tranches of funding have been made available to schools.

Where there might be an issue similar to that referenced by the Deputy, the FSSU is available to schools on a one-to-one basis, if there is any individual need. There is no question, however, of moneys not being paid to schools. Indeed, as I said, they are being paid on the double in many instances.

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