asked the Minister for Education if in view of the inadequate grants at present being paid to secondary schools for pupils doing the intermediate certificate and the leaving certificate he will increase the amounts for pupils attending these courses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Secondary School Grants.
100.
Pending the provision of evidence in support of the Deputy's assumption, I do not accept it.
I would, however, refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on the 15th November, 1961, in which I pointed out that since 1926 the State's total contribution to secondary education has increased from £261,535 in that year to £2,863,450 in the current year, that is to say, the State's contribution has increased tenfold within the period concerned while the number of schools has increased from 287 to 542, that is not quite twofold.
I am, however, having an examination made of the position relating to the payment of these grants, including the basis on which they are paid.
Is the Minister aware that the last increase was granted in 1954? That is eight years ago and the cost of living has increased substantially since then. In view of that fact, will he favourably consider the grants for the coming year?
The State's contribution has gone up tenfold and the number of schools has not increased twofold. The whole question is being examined.