Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

503. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are cuts planned to school grants for PPE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1462/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government published the Roadmap for the Full Return to School, along with details of a financial package of over €375 million to support the implementation of the measures in the roadmap, following approval by Government.

The range of supports being made available to all schools in the free education scheme include additional financial supports to provide for PPE and hand hygiene costs under the COVID-19 response plans.

Schools are paid the PPE grant by my Department based on pupil enrolment and the per capita rates which are provided in the table below. 

The first instalment of the PPE grant, which issued in August 2020, reflected the fact that the first term was 15% longer that the second there were a number of once off type costs which schools faced at that time. Therefore the rates for the second instalment of the PPE grant, which issued on 6 January last, have been revised accordingly.

My Department will be reviewing the funding provided and following this review details of the third and final instalment of these grants for the 2020/2021 school year will be made available in due course. 

PPE grant rates for mainstream schools