Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton T.D. has confirmed a standardised payment window for schools' annual Minor Works and ICT grants, with funds to issue each year in December and January.

The move will be built into the annual grants calendar to give schools greater certainty and assist budget planning.

Under the plan, €30 million in Minor Works funding will be paid to primary and special schools this week for use on a devolved basis for maintenance and small-scale improvement projects. A further €35 million in ICT funding will be released in January 2026 to all recognised special, primary and post-primary schools.

Minister Naughton said: "In line with NDP Rollout and as part of delivering on Programme for Government commitments I am pleased to provide this clarity and certainty for schools on their minor works and ICT grant funding. This will help schools with their budget management and provides a good lead-in period for them to plan for the year ahead, both in terms of maintenance and small-scale improvements, as well as helping schools to embed ICT into their teaching, learning and assessments."

The December Minor Works payment relates to the 2026/2027 school year, while the ICT grants to be paid in January 2026 relate to 2025/2026. Fixing the payment period to December/January supports schools' financial planning and aligns with the capitation increases set out in Budget 2026.

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Minor Works grant rates comprise a €5,500 base payment plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per pupil with special educational needs attending a special school or a special class in a mainstream school. Schools have discretion to prioritise needs such as building and grounds upkeep, mechanical and electrical works, standard furniture and educational equipment, floor coverings, blinds, IT-related equipment, ventilation improvements and enhancements to outdoor learning spaces.

Since 2020, €310 million has been provided through Minor Works and Enhanced Minor Works Grants, including almost €30 million paid in June 2025 for the 2025/2026 school year.

The €35 million ICT grant is the fourth tranche under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, building on €210 million allocated under the 2015–2020 strategy and €135 million issued to date under the current strategy. For primary schools, the grant is €2,000 plus €25.17 per mainstream pupil, €30.20 per pupil with special educational needs in special schools/classes, and €27.69 per pupil in DEIS schools (e.g. €4,517 for a 100‑pupil school; €14,585 for 500 pupils). For post-primary schools, the grant is €2,000 plus €30.20 per mainstream student and €33.22 per student in DEIS schools (e.g. €17,110 for 500 students; €32,220 for 1,000 students). Fee-charging schools receive 50% of the standard rate (€1,000 base and €15.10 per capita).

ICT funding supports schools to maintain a digital learning plan and an Acceptable Use Policy, provides an additional top-up for DEIS schools, aligns with the EU Digital Education Plan and complements national policies including the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy and the STEM Education Policy Statement. Issuing €35 million in January 2026 is expected to facilitate the remaining €30 million under the National Development Plan being provided over the rest of the strategy period.

Together, the Minor Works and ICT grants will help schools keep buildings safe and welcoming while enabling pupils to develop the digital skills needed to thrive.