asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that some boarding schools are proposing to opt out of the free education scheme because he will not allow them to increase fees chargeable to parents while the schools continue to avail of Department grants; and if he will make a statement on the position and indicate how many schools have decided to opt out.
Written Answers. - Boarding School Fees.
154.
The position with regard to fees charged by post-primary boarding schools is that a grant of £30 per annum is made by my Department in respect of each recognised pupil, where the total school fee per pupil is not more than £165 per annum. I may add that my understanding is that increases in school fees are subject to the approval of the National Prices Commission. The question of raising this "ceiling" figure beyond £165 is under consideration, in view of the claims from some schools that the increase in the cost of maintenance demands that a higher fee be charged.
I am not in a position to say at this stage, however, what my decision in that regard may be.