What Is A Start-Up Grant?
It is a grant payable to a new school, in the first year of its operation, to buy equipment essential for the efficient running of a school, e.g. a photocopier, computer equipment, sports equipment, etc.
How Much Is It?
The grant was introduced in 2001, and the rate was set at £5000. The rate has not increased from this figure (€6348.69) since.
What’s The Problem?
The grant is totally inadequate as a once off payment to help a school acquire essential equipment to open a school. The result of this is that schools are getting into serious debt even before they open their doors. For a break down of the typical costs associated with opening a new school download “How Much Does it Cost” (pdf).
What Do We Want You To Do?
The grant should be increased to €30,000. Immediately. This figure, which is a more realistic sum, is based on hard evidence of how much money is required to open a school (see accompaning fact sheet). We urge you to raise this matter with the Minister for Education and Science as well as your local representives (contact details via links below).