Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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405. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline the situation regarding a grant (details supplied); when schools can expect payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8375/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.

During 2022, 180 school building projects were delivered and a further 300 continued in construction at the start of 2023 - most of which will be completed in 2023. There was also accelerated delivery of modular accommodation to facilitate additional capacity in special classes and special schools to cater for over 900 children with additional needs. In addition, there was necessary refurbishment and maintenance in nearly 1,000 schools under the Multi-annual Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme.

I am very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by the Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system. The timeline for the payment of the next tranche of minor grant funding to primary schools will be considered within this overall context.

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. This is done in order to facilitate a better lead in period for schools to plan any maintenance or minor works during the summer period.

I can confirm to the Deputy that the standard Minor Works Grant, of €30 million, for primary schools for the current school year was paid in December 2021 plus a further €15 million enhanced Minor Works Grant was also granted in December 2021 to primary schools as part of additional support in the context of COVID-19.