The programme for Government includes specific recommendations and promises related to education, specifically primary school education. Rumours have circulated in recent days that the minor works grant scheme for schools will not go ahead in 2018. I am glad the Minister is here. I am working with three school principals. They contacted me yesterday evening and this morning to say that if this happens in 2018, it will create serious difficulties for them. Will the Minister confirm or deny if the scheme will go ahead in 2018? I am representing those schools and know that many other schools around the country are in the same predicament.

The minor works grant scheme is a discretionary scheme that is paid most years. It is paid for the school year, between September and June each year. As I confirmed this week, the payment for 2017 to 2018 will go ahead. I indicated that the payment for the 2018 to 2019 year will be conditional on availability of money, as it always is, and there is a possibility that it will not be paid within the calendar year of 2018 but would still be provided, as always, within the school year of 2018 to 2019.

I thank the Minister. That concludes Questions on Promised Legislation. Ten Deputies were heard. I apologise to the six who were not reached. We must now move to Further Revised Estimates for Public Services.