Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the minor works grants for schools. School principals around the country are dismayed and concerned that there was no mention of the minor works grant in this year's budget. For schools, this grant has always been a vital part of school funding. Its removal a number of years ago has caused difficulties for school management with regard to basic repairs in schools, be it maintenance of the school infrastructure itself or equipment. The rates applicable typically run such that a school of about 50 pupils, for example, could expect to receive a grant of €6,400, whereas a school with 300 pupils could expect to receive a grant of €11,000. We all know that the failure to maintain and invest in the upkeep of schools is a false economy. The old adage of "A stitch in time saves nine" springs to mind. The grant, as Members know, is spent on the physical infrastructure of the school and items of school equipment, including IT-related equipment. The money might be needed for general maintenance outside, which could be the replacement of windows, the purchase of PE equipment, as well as the repair or repurpose of equipment such as computers, printers, etc. It is for all of the basic stuff that keeps our schools going.

Principals also state that having certainty about whether the grant is going to be paid is nearly as important as the grant itself, as it allows the board to manage the budget for the various minor works involved throughout the year. The board of management is, as we all know, made up of volunteers working for nothing on behalf of our community. We are very lucky to have them and we cherish that. The very least they deserve is the security of knowing what they are going to get, if anything. At the end of the day, no funds for schools means extra fund-raising for parents themselves. That is another form of taxation. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to address the confusion over whether the school grant is going to be paid this year.