Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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146. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a breakdown, by county, of minor works grants for schools between 2016 to 2019, in tabular form; if she will provide a similar breakdown, by county, of minor works grants between 2020 and to date in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25366/23]

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.

On 11th April 2023, my Department announced €29 million in minor works funding for primary and special schools for the 2023/24 school year.

To provide schools with a good lead in period to plan and undertake works that will support the operation of schools going into the 2023/24 school year, payment of these grants have now been processed.

Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.

The works that can be undertaken under minor works scheme include maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds, 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, the purchase of IT related equipment, ventilation improvements, and enhancements to outdoor learning environments.

The table at the link details minor works funding (including Enhanced Minor Works Grant funding) paid from 2016 to date.