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.

A total of €280 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants has been allocated to schools between 2018 and 2022.

For the school year 2022/2023, to provide additional support in the context of Covid-19 the payment of an Enhanced minor works grant totalling €45m for primary schools and special schools, plus once-off Covid-19 minor works funding of €17m for post-primary schools, was issued in December 2021.

For the school year 2023/2024 minor works grant funding totalling €29m for primary schools and special schools issued in April 2023.

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 the 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.

In addition schools can apply for refurbishment/improvement works under the multi-annual Summer Works Scheme. An Emergency Works Grant Scheme is in place to deal with emergency issues such as a boiler breakdown etc. During 2022, €116 million was invested in necessary small scale repair/improvement works in schools through the Emergency Works and Summer Works Schemes. This funding provided for over 1,000 projects which includes Fire and Life Safety projects in over 100 schools, roof repair works for over 200 schools, window replacement projects in over 80 schools, external works in over 120 schools, Mechanical/ Boiler works in over 130 schools, Electrical works and Structural Improvements in more than 150 schools, modernised toilet facilities in over 75 schools along with in excess of 80 projects in schools to improve universal access facilities for pupils with additional needs.

My Department also provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. These grants are based on recognised enrolments in September of the relevant school year.

The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff.

As part of my Budget 2023 announcement, and as part of the Cost of Living measures, €90m was allocated in one-off additional funding to support increased running costs for primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme in dealing with challenges they face in light of rising energy costs. This was paid out in December 2022 at a rate of 40% of schools’ basic and enhanced rates of capitation.

My Department has also ensured that centrally negotiated rates are available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels. These rates are available through existing frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). OGP has run competitions specifically for Schools at a national level and the Schools Procurement Unit and the Department has communicated with schools and school management bodies informing them of the options available to them through these national arrangements. Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie.

There is no provision for additional funding under the minor works grant this year.