School funding will 'enhance' education system

€2.8M is to be allocated to Cavan and Monaghan schools.

With the news this week that €2.8M in funding is to be allocated to Cavan and Monaghan schools, local Fianna Fáil TD, Deputy Brendan Smith says the cash injection will “enhance” the system overall.

He was speaking after Minister Norma Foley announced the funding for digital learning in schools and minor building works across the country.

The funding allocation includes €50M in grants for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for all recognised primary and post-primary schools and a separate €29M in minor works funding is being provided to primary and special schools.

Deputy Smith, meanwhile, pointed to how the ICT funding will be provided to schools to help them continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment while the minor works funding can be used by these schools for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds.

“Digital technologies can open up a world of opportunities to our pupils and students, so it is very important that we continue to support schools to ensure they can embed the use of digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment,” he continued.

“As well as the ICT funding, the €29M in funding for minor works will be vital in allowing school communities to address issues at local level as they provide the necessary flexibility to address different issues.

“The minor works payments will go towards areas such as the maintenance of school buildings and towards new and upgraded school infrastructure.”

The local TD concluded by welcoming confirmation from Minister Foley that the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit is currently finalising updated guidance for schools in relation to good practice arrangements for maintenance of school buildings.