Vol. 200 No. 2
asked the Minister for Education in what manner, if at all, reimbursement to school managers of the full costs of heating and cleaning national schools would contravene the accepted principles upon which the managerial system is based as a fundamental feature of the educational system.
27.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that many Dublin parishes at present have large parochial debts for church buildings; and that this makes it very difficult for managers to raise funds for national school heating and cleaning; and if he will provide 100 per cent. grants for these purposes in such parishes.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
National schools are not State schools. They are under deed of trust owned by local parties and managed by the duly appointed delegate of the communities which they serve. The principle of local rights and responsibility in the operation of these schools is inherent in this system. The acknowledgment of the local responsibility is expressed in the local contribution which is made towards the erection, heating and cleaning etc. of the schools.
I have no intention of departing from this system.
Is it not a fact that the system of providing finance for maintenance and heating and cleaning of national schools is 60 years old and in view of the fact that Dublin workers are now paying income tax at very high rates under PAYE, would he modernise it?
That is an argument not a question.
The answer I gave is in relation to the fact that these are not State schools. If the State were to take over all the financial responsibility, our duty to the taxpayer could only be served by taking over the schools.
Not at all.
