Cash strapped parishes assisting struggling schools will be relieved by the restoration of theSmall Works Grant and the Summer Works Scheme, the head of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) has said.
Welcoming Education Minister Ruairi Quinn’s announcement, CPSMA General Secretary Fr
Tom Deenihan said: “This had been a major issue for schools over the past number of years throughout the country and had, in many cases, resulted in parish communities subventing and, in some cases, financing necessary repairs to and extensions of Catholic primary schools from the Sunday collection in the local parish.
“The CPSMA, with many other parties, had campaigned for this reintroduction in its
pre-budget submission and we welcome this announcement. It is our hope that this grant will remain for future years,” he said.
The grants will also bring relief to the thousands of Board Members of Catholic Primary
Schools who give of their time voluntarily in managing primary schools, according to Fr
Deenihan.
“It is a fact that board members struggle to manage budgets to ensure that the school
functions in a suitable building. This grant will allow schools to complete necessary repairs
and larger projects. The restoration of the grant will also provide much needed business to
local contractors and will, therefore, have a multiplier effect in local economies,” he said.