asked the Minister for Education when the capitation rates for industrial schools were last fixed and the amount thereof; if, having regard to the fact that the weekly cost of maintaining a prisoner in an ordinary prison is £16 13s 0d, he will increase the rate for industrial schools and reformatories; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reformatory and Industrial Schools: Capitation Grants.
87.
The current rates of capitation grant came into operation as from the 1st April, 1968. They stand at £4 2s 6d per week in the case of industrial schools and £4 5s 6d per week in the case of reformatories. These rates are 15s per week in excess of those previously payable.
In addition the Department pays the salaries of the national teachers employed in the industrial schools and bears the major portion of the cost involved in providing the teaching units.
I am at present awaiting the report of a committee set up to inquire into the reformatory and industrial schools system. When that report is received, which I hope to receive very shortly, the whole matter will be further reviewed.