Vol. 198 No. 3
asked the Minister for Education the number of national schools at present operating secondary tops, the number of pupils aged fourteen to sixteen years who attend classes in these secondary tops, and the amount of finance provided by the State for them, together with the form which such State finance takes.
26.
asked the Minister for Education whether national teachers who teach in secondary tops receive any financial recognition for this work, apart from their normal salary as national teachers.
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
During the school-year 1961-62 secondary tops were recognised in 84 national schools. On 1st February, 1962, there were 3,509 pupils between 14 and 16 years of age in attendance at these secondary tops.
For the purpose of State grants a secondary top is treated as an integral part of the national school in which it is recognised. Therefore, there could be no question of segregating the grants as between the secondary top and the remainder of the national school.
National teachers who are serving in secondary tops do not receive State grants other than those paid to national teachers generally.
Would the Minister tell us what "Top" means?
It is an extension of the national school in which a secondary curriculum is followed.
Would the Minister tell us are children educated in the secondary top eligible for the leaving certificate examination, if they wish to present themselves for it?
It is a recognised part of the secondary curriculum.
And the teachers employed continue to get the capitation grant and remuneration at the rates paid to primary teachers?
I would not know off-hand and I do not know if any secondary top students go to the leaving certificate but it can be regarded as a recognised part of secondary education. The payment is not that of a secondary teacher but of secondary top in a national school.
Any pupil who wants to present himself for the leaving certificate will be able to do so?
Having done the course, yes.
