John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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561. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she plans to pay the minor works grant to primary schools for the 2021-2022 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50670/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department recognises the importance of the Minor Works Grant to primary schools.  The funding provides good flexibility at local level to assist schools to manage and undertake works that support the operation of the school 

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Minor Works Grant for primary schools for the current school year (2021-2022) was paid in December of last year - in order to give schools a good lead in period.  Our intention is to continue the same approach of paying it early – either in December 2021 or early January 2022 - for the 2022-2023 school year.   We will let schools know in advance of the precise payment date.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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562. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school extension plan (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50671/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, this project has been devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB). 

I am pleased to confirm that a design team to deliver this project was appointed in late April of this year. The Design Team is currently preparing the Stage 1 report (preliminary design).

While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, WWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.