158 Tipperary Primary Schools set to receive Minor works Grant – Mattie McGrath
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton that the Minor Works Grant will be paid to all primary schools throughout County Tipperary next week. Deputy McGrath went on to say that all the primary schools will receive a flat rate Minor Works Grant of €5,500 plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil attending a special school or special class. The grant is worth €6,425 for a 50 pupil school and over €11,000 for a 300 pupil school:
“I am delighted that there has finally been confirmation of the allocation of these Grants.
I raised the matter during the Order of Business earlier today and expressed the absolute frustration that some Principals were experiencing in terms of the delay.
Given that the Schools can use the grant for a variety of works, including improvements to school buildings and grounds, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase of standard furniture and physical education equipment, it was vital that schools received them as soon as possible.
I am deeply concerned however that the Minister appears to have confirmed in Committee this morning that it will be late next year or January 2019 before he is in a position to determine the prospects of a 2018/2019 Minor Works Grant.
That is news that will be deeply troubling for a huge amount of schools given the existing cuts to the Capitation Grants that are still in place,” concluded Deputy McGrath.
