Published on
Ministers Foley and Madigan welcome additional €75m capital to support schools reopening
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan TD have today (Friday 24 July) welcomed the inclusion in the July Stimulus of a capital package for schools worth €75m.
This Minor Works Grant funding will help schools carry out any reconfiguration works necessary to support re-opening in August. These works may include reconfiguration of classroom space, adapting storage facilities, altering desk layouts, adapting toilet areas and other types of work.
This grant will be paid directly to eligible schools during the month of August.
Speaking today, Minister Foley said:
I am delighted today to be able to confirm this additional funding for primary and post-primary schools as they prepare for reopening in the Autumn. I know it has been a difficult time for students, parents and school staff but as we face into the challenges ahead, supports like these will be absolutely vital to ensure a smooth transition back to school for everybody involved.”
Minister Foley met today with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to discuss the details of a comprehensive package being brought to Cabinet on Monday.
Minister Foley said:
This package will outline the measures and the resources required to enable the reopening of schools. We have been involved in deep and positive engagement with all education stakeholders and partners to make sure the measures take account of as wide a range of input as possible.
I want to give confidence today to students, parents and school staff that planning is well underway and that Monday’s announcement will provide the clarity you have all been awaiting.”
Minister Madigan said:
Our aim is to support all schools so that they can re-open in the autumn. This involves recognising the additional challenges faced by special schools and schools with special classes, in terms of cleaning, social distancing, and the health vulnerability of the students.
This package will help schools to prepare and is about giving people certainty and hope in advance of a full school re-opening. In my role, I will continue to advocate for the children with special and complex needs and their families.