Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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214. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he expects to process minor works grant applications; his views on whether school managements need clarity on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46651/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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My Department announced yesterday that the Minor Works Grant for the 2019/20 school year will be paid to all primary schools during the first half of December.

This follows a commitment under Project Ireland 2040 that the Minor Works Grant will be paid in either December or January of the school year to all primary schools.

All primary schools will receive a flat rate Minor Works Grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil attending a special school or special class. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school. The grant amounts to €29m across all primary schools.

Schools can use the Minor Works Grant for improvements to the physical infrastructure of the school, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, the purchase of floor coverings and window blinds, and the purchase of IT related equipment. Schools are advised of the importance of using the grant to address any fire safety prevention works