The Government has been urgently called to provide money to schools under the Minor Works Grants Scheme.

Schools are becoming increasingly concerned over the delay in payments and Fianna Fail TD Thomas Byrne called for the grants to be made compulsory.

He said: "Minister Bruton has announced that the Department is having a look to see if there is any spare money to make payments under the scheme for this year. This is extraordinary to say the least and there is a growing concern that the Minister’s attitude stems from a belief that he considers such grants to be optional rather than necessary.

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"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.

"Fianna Fáil believes that these grants should be compulsory and set down on a statutory basis.

"The failure of the Minister to announce grants thus far has caused great anxiety and stress for many school principals."

(CD)