Education Minister Joe McHugh has come under pressure to explain the recent drop in Summer Works Scheme funding.

An investment of €30 million was announced for the 2020 programme yesterday, 25 November, which will allow individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works such as structural improvements, electrical works and projects for special needs pupils.

This announcement means the figure is at its lowest since 2016, after a €47m investment in 2017 followed by €40m funding in 2018.

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Fianna Fáil representative Thomas Bryne has called for clarity on the funding cuts.

Deputy Byrne said: "It is disappointing that we have seen yet another drop in this payment. The Summer Works scheme is one of the few ways that schools can get funding for works needed to upgrade ageing buildings, upgrade facilities and do the larger pieces of work which may not be viable at other times of the year.

"It is particularly galling to see Minister Bruton's name appear in today's statement. Surely, if the Government was committed to assisting schools in reducing their carbon footprint we would see an increase rather than a decrease in investment?

"The amount paid out this year is the lowest it has been since 2016. Despite claims that the school's capital budget has not been cut, it is clear it has been moved down the priority list. Minister McHugh should come forward and explain why this is the case."

(CM/JG)