All primary schools in Cork East Constituency are set to receive the Minor Works Grant says Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, David Stanton. The 2018/2019 allocations will be paid by the Department of Education and Skills to all primary schools over the coming days.
Speaking upon confirmation of the grant funding, Minister Stanton said “I am pleased to learn that the Minor Works Grant will soon issue to schools. A total of €29 million will be paid out this year with every primary school receiving a flat rate Minor Works Grant of €5,500. In addition to the flat rate payment, primary schools will receive €18.50 per mainstream pupil plus €74 for every special needs pupil attending a special class or a special school.
“This is an important and useful payment for primary schools which can be used for a variety of school works, including improvements to school buildings and grounds and mechanical and electrical services. The grant can also be used to purchase furniture and physical education equipment, floor coverings and window blinds, and IT equipment.
Schools need not apply to the Department for approval to carry out works or to purchase items covered by the Minor Works Grant Scheme. While schools have discretion in relation to the nature of small scale works and improvements to be carried out, further to a fire safety assessment programme carried out in a number of schools last year, the Department is advising all school authorities to use the grant in the first instance to prioritise fire safety prevention works. The Department is also currently developing fire safety guidance for primary and post-primary schools which will be done in consultation with schools.
Minister Stanton concluded: “The Government has invested substantially in major school capital building programmes across Cork East Constituency at primary and post-primary level in recent years which will help to meet current and future demand. Other programmes such as the emergency works and summer works scheme helps schools to meet pressures associated with school upkeep and development. The Minor Works Grants gives additional funding to Boards of Management and principals for facilities, equipment and teaching aids which may not be covered under these other schemes.”