Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The 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. 

The Minor Works Grant for primary schools for the current school year 2023/2024 was paid in April 2023.  This funding provides 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.

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.

A total of €310 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants has been allocated to schools between 2018 and 2023.

The Department's Planning & Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of its available funding. The timeline for the payment of the next tranche of minor grant funding to primary schools will be considered within this overall context.