asked the Minister for Education if his Department paid any grants to schools for the purchase of audio-visual aids; and, if not, if he will consider the introduction of such grants to bring the educational system into line with modern educational developments abroad.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Audio-Visual Aids.
32.
The following schemes of grants towards the purchase of audio-visual aids operate under my Department:
(1) Towards the cost of providing aids for modern language teaching in secondary schools and secondary tops;
(2) Towards the purchase of television sets in connection with the programme Telefís Scoile;
(3) Towards the cost of providing certain equipment in the larger national schools.
In addition, vocational education committees, out of the funds available to them, about two-thirds of which come from my Department, may provide television sets, sound film-projectors and other suitable audio-visual aids. I am satisfied, therefore, that we have made very considerable progress in this matter.
Can the Minister say if any grants in this connection have been made available to any of the moderately-sized primary schools?
I could not hear the Deputy's supplementary.
Can the Minister say if any grants for this equipment have been made available to any of the moderately-sized primary schools? Are there such schools with these audio-visual aids and what is the extent of the grants which are available?
As regards the last part of the Deputy's supplementary, he would have to put down a separate question as I have not that information at present. Grants have been given in the case of new or recently enlarged or improved national schools. A special grant is provided towards the cost of school requisites which may include audio-visual aids, such as tape recorders, record players, film projectors, and so on. The extent of the grant depends on the size of the school. It is related, I think, to the cost of the work involved. If the Deputy wants details, he will have to put down another question.
Is this confined at present to schools with an assembly hall and would I be correct in thinking that the amount is calculated on a capitation basis per pupil enrolled in the school, as it is for equipment?
I think the Deputy is correct in that.