asked the Minister for Education whether, further to a reply of 24th January giving the average grants for heating and cleaning of national schools, he considers that the amount of these grants is sufficient for the purpose for which they are intended; and whether he will take steps to have such grants substantially increased in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Heating and Cleaning Grants.
48.
The grants in question are intended to supplement aid from local sources and I consider that on that basis they are generally adequate. I intend, however, to keep the matter under review.
What does the Minister mean by local sources?
The manager of the school.
Would the Minister tell us where the manager is supposed to get the money?
From his parishioners. That is the basis of our educational system.
In fact, along with other commitments, the local parish priest is expected to spend some of the money for the upkeep of churches or schools?
Is it not the constitutional right of every child in this country to get primary education at the expense of the State? Is it not implicit in the Constitution that primary education should be provided in proper conditions free?
That seems to go beyond the bounds of the Question.
The Minister should read the Constitution.
The managerial system is a fundamental feature of our educational system.