Fianna Fáil has hit out at the government over the delay in payments to schools under the Minor Works Grants Scheme.

The grants are normally paid to schools during November, however the Education Minister said the Department is having a look to see if there is any spare money to make payments under the scheme for this year.

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Spokesperson on Education, Thomas Byrne TD, said: "The truth is that many schools are forced to use the grant to supplement the inadequate Capitation Grants. For some smaller schools, the Minor Works Grant can be almost a third of their yearly budget.

"The failure of the Minister to announce grants thus far has caused great anxiety and stress for many school principals. We need a positive decision on Minor Works as a matter of urgency."

(CD/JP)