Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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370. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason payment of the minor repairs grant is confined to schools with permanent recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46736/14]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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371. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason schools with temporary recognition will not be paid the minor repairs grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46737/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 371 together.

Under Circular 0062/2013 the Minor Works Grant is issued to schools with permanent recognition. This is a continuation of the position which existed in earlier Minor Works Grant circulars.

Since 2008 schools opening for the first time are given a once-off capital allocation of €5,000 in addition to the start-up grant. Newly established schools are generally required to undergo a period of provisional recognition, during which the operation of the school and the growth in pupil numbers are monitored. Among the factors considered in determining if permanent recognition is to be awarded are the long-term viability of the school, current and projected enrolments and that the school is operating in accordance with the Rules for National Schools and complies with relevant legislation including the Education Act.

It is a matter for schools with provisional recognition to apply to the Department seeking permanent recognition. Any school which attains permanent recognition during the course of the school year 2014/2015 will be issued with the 2014/2015 Minor Works Grant.