I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.
While the responsibility for the operation of the community employment schemes in schools rests with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I can assure the Deputy that I remain committed to the provision of additional assistance to schools for clerical and caretaking services.
At primary level my Department provides funding towards the cost of caretaking and secretarial services under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978-79 scheme for the employment of caretakers and clerical officers under which my Department meets the full cost of salary and employer's PRSI. However, this scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant.
The second scheme is the provision by my Department of additional per capita grants for primary schools as agreed under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress – PESP – and has been in operation since 1 September 1992. The PESP provided for the introduction of a phased scheme of additional per capita grants with a view to expanding the provision of caretaking and secretarial services to all primary schools with 100 pupils or more. Currently, all schools of 195 pupils or more, not including schools in the 1978 scheme outlined above, qualify for a grant of £30 per pupil, to a maximum of £15,000 per annum, towards the cost of caretaking and secretarial services.
At second level the assistance provided by my Department towards the provision of caretaking and secretarial services reflects the different school management and ownership arrangements at second level.
In the case of voluntary secondary schools in the free education scheme, all schools with 200 or more pupils receive financial assistance towards the cost of both caretaking and secretarial services. There are also a number of secondary schools in the 1978 scheme for the employment of clerical officers under which my Department meets the full cost of salary.
In the case of vocational schools and colleges, caretaking and clerical staff are allocated to vocational education committees on a scheme wide basis. It is a matter for the vocational education committee to deploy staff in the best manner possible to meet the needs of the committee and its schools.
All schools in the community and comprehensive school sector have been provided with clerical and caretaking services.