Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. It gives me the opportunity on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth to outline to the Dáil the current position in relation to ICT grants and minor works grants. I am delighted to confirm that my colleague, the Minister, this morning announced that both grants will be paid to schools in June, with a combined €65 million investment in our schools to help them with maintenance and improvements as well as helping schools to embed ICT into their teaching, learning and assessments. Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested approximately €6 billion to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost 1 million students and more than 100,000 staff who learn and work in our schools every day. Minor works and ICT grants for schools are important elements of the record level of capital investment in school infrastructure. As the world around us changes rapidly, it is vital that schools can instil students with the skills they need to reach their full potential in our modern society. My colleague, the Minister, has announced €35 million in ICT funding that will empower schools to harness the opportunities technology presents and to support children and young people to become competent and engaged learners. Furthermore, minor works payments are vital in supporting our primary and special schools. I am pleased to say that the Minister has confirmed that €30 million in funding will be paid to schools in June. This will allow school communities to address issues at a local level and support their operations for the coming school year. This will give schools time to consider their plans and priorities for how best to use the funding.

In Project Ireland 2040, a commitment was given that the minor works grant would be paid to primary and special schools in December or January of the school year. In recent years, the Department’s approach has been to ensure the minor works grant is paid in advance of the following school year to facilitate a better lead-in period for schools to plan maintenance or minor works during the summer period, which must be welcomed. Minor works grants totalling €30 million were paid in April 2024, as the Deputy said, to primary schools and special schools for the current school year 2024-25. Payment of the minor works grant along with the ICT grant next month will provide valuable support to schools for their maintenance and technology needs. I pay tribute to all schools for their amazing work and the many challenges they face at the school gate. I am aware from engaging with a lot of schools and visits to many schools over the past number of months of the importance of these grants in ensuring funding is available for minor works and ICT.

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