asked the Minister for Education whether he considers that the present position of paying allowances to national schools for cleaning purposes is satisfactory; whether he will consider replacing this system by a system of paying an allowance for the specific purpose of employing a caretaker for these schools; and whether his Department are at present contemplating any other steps towards improving the position in regard to cleaning in these schools.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Cleaning Allowances for National Schools.
44.
I am satisfied that the present arrangement whereby an annual grant is provided by my Department to supplement the amounts provided from local sources towards the cost of cleaning national schools is satisfactory. The answer to the other parts of the Deputy's question is, therefore, in the negative.
I might add for the Deputy's information that these grants were increased in 1956 and again in 1959.
Could the Minister say what the local sources are to which he refers?
The school is managed, as the Deputy understands, by a representative of the parents and in the arrangements that the school manager undertakes, there is a local contribution which has to be found by the parents' representative.
Is the Minister satisfied that in all cases this local money is in fact found?
The finding of the local money is not a function of the Minister. I am satisfied with the arrangement. It may be that the arrangement is not always fully worked to the best advantage.
Would it not be far better if the Minister did away altogether with this idea of having money raised locally and gave the full amount instead?
That is a matter that would be debated. There are principles involved.
45.
asked the Minister for Education what is the present allowance paid by his Department to national school managers for the purpose of cleaning the schools.
The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the official report.
Following is the statement:
MAXIMUM GRANTS PAYABLE TOWARDS THE COST OF CLEANING NATIONAL SCHOOLS
A. Classification Schools.
|
Category |
Cleaning etc. |
|
One Teacher |
£8 |
|
Two Teachers |
£13 |
|
Three Teachers |
£16 |
|
Four Teachers |
£19 |
and so forth, allowing for every additional teacher on the recognised staff, an additional £3 for cleaning, etc.
B. Capitation Schools.
|
Category |
Cleaning etc. |
|
Under 35 average attendance |
£10 |
|
35-94 average attendance |
£15 |
|
95-139,,,, |
£20 |
|
140-184,,,, |
£24 |
|
185-229,,,, |
£28 |
|
230-299,,,, |
£34 |
|
300-399,,,, |
£42 |
and so forth, allowing for every additional 100 units of average attendance, an additional £8 for cleaning, etc.