Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 644: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the minor works grant 1599 to improve funding to schools to maintain their buildings in good condition. [28693/08]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 711: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that applied for the devolved or minor works grant from 2000 to date in 2008; the number of schools granted funding during the same period; the amount paid out in total for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28959/08]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 712: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have applied for the devolved grant in the 2007-08 school year; the number of schools that have received funding; the amount paid out to date in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28960/08]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 731: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the date on which the devolved grant for minor works for the school year 2008-09 will be paid to schools; the number of schools that will receive funding under the scheme; the level of expenditure that will be expended under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28979/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 711, 712 and 731 together.

A devolved Minor Works Grant is paid to all fully recognised primary schools annually. In November 2006, the funding for the minor works grant was increased by 44% on the previous year. Over €27m was paid out to schools throughout the country in 2007 to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil.

There are close to 3,300 primary schools including 126 special schools in the State. The Deputy will appreciate that the total number of schools will vary from year to year on account of closures, amalgamations and new school openings. In this regard, 22 new schools will open with effect from September next.

It is intended that the Minor Works Grant for the 2008/2009 school year will be paid in 2009.

The level of grant to be paid under the grant scheme will be considered in that context and in the light of the trend in the cost of building works generally.