asked the Minister for Education the present position regarding local contributions towards the cost of erection or repair of primary schools; and whether or not the recent financial arrangements will obviate the necessity of such contributions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary School Building.
19.
Mr. O'Malley
The recent financial arrangements relate only to secondary schools and are on the basis of the State contributing 70 per cent of the cost of the building of these schools. The overall State contributions towards the building of primary schools is well in excess of 70 per cent. There is, therefore, nothing in the financial arrangements made for secondary schools which would call for any change in the existing position in relation to local contributions towards the cost of building and repair of primary schools.
This is the discretion question which is still going on as to whether the local contribution will be 30 per cent or less, depending on local economic circumstances?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes; the discretion is there.