asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether it is a fact that in reply to representations made to him by the central executive committee of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation for an increase in the fuel grant for schools he has stated that, from inquiries made by him, he has concluded that no increase in this grant would be justified; and, if so, whether he will further state the inquiries he made that enabled him to arrive at this decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Grant to Schools.
Following the receipt of representations from the central executive committee of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation for an increase in the fuel grant payable to the managers of national schools arising out of the position in rural schools which depend for heating mainly on the supply of turf available, I had inquiries on the matter made through the inspectors whose districts include the turf-producing areas. On consideration of their reports in relation to the fuel position in the country generally, and having regard to the fact that the responsibility for the provision of funds, in supplement of the State grants, for the adequate heating of schools, devolves on the locality, I am satisfied that the situation was not such as to call for any special action on the part of the Department.