Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the minor works scheme funding will be announced; the amount that will be allocated to the scheme; the details of the dates in previous years when the scheme was announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31843/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The normal practice is for the Minor Works Grant to be announced late in the year if funding permits. The issue of the Minor Works Grant 2016/2017 will be considered in the context of my Department's overall capital position later this year.

Under my Department's Circular Letter 0062/2013 the rate of payment of the Minor Works Grant is a basic grant of €5,500 to all primary schools plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil on the rolls on the 30 September of the year prior to the issue of the grant. The €74 rate applies to a special needs pupil attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream school.  Payment of the grant amounts to almost €29m.

The Minor Works Grant was announced on the following dates in previous years:

2015/2016  - 5th November, 2015

2014/2015  - 25th November, 2014

2013/2014  - 7th November, 2013

2012/2013  - No grant issued

2011/2012  - 10th November, 2011 

2010/2011  - 22nd November, 2010.