andMr. Wilson asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the rejection by the INTO of his proposed scheme for committees of management in primary schools, he is now prepared to reconsider the position and commit his Department to the production, as a matter of urgency, of a discussion document outlining a scheme for the management of primary schools based on the county/county borough/borough as the administrative unit, organised in a manner related to the experience gained from the operation of the Vocational Education Act, 1930, and related to the recommendations contained in chapter 4 of the report Adult Education in Ireland which was presented to him on 21st November, 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Management Committees.
7.
Mr. R. Burke
I am not aware that the decision announced by me on 17th October, 1974, which involves the appointment of committees of management for national schools, has been rejected by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation. On the contrary, my information is that the matter is to be considered by a special congress of that organisation in January, 1975.
I may say, however, that the appointment of separate committees of management for individual national schools is an issue quite apart from the overall organisation of school administration on a county or a regional basis. Proposals in this latter regard are still under consideration.
Will the Minister state whether the new heating and cleaning grants for national schools will be free from the condition of the formation of certain committees of management? Will the Minister take steps to pay these grants as soon as possible?
Mr. R. Burke
The announcement made some weeks ago was on foot of a scheme of capitation grants towards operating costs of national schools in which committees of management have been established.
Do I understand from the Minister that these grants are still conditional on committees of management being established?
Mr. R. Burke
I do not want to say anything at this stage that would prejudice the happy and fruitful outcome of the negotiations. I should prefer to await the outcome of the further negotiations in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that there is grave concern in national schools about these grants, that managers are awaiting the money with anxiety and that they need it very badly?
Mr. R. Burke
I am glad to tell the Deputy that such public comment as I have heard has been basically favourable to the proposals.
But it is a case of live horse and you will get grass. I am asking the Minister will he pay some grant fairly soon to the managers of national schools?
Mr. R. Burke
If Deputy Wilson reads the document he will realise that it is proposed therein to pay an amount in January equal to the amount paid last October.