asked the Minister for Health (a) the grants which were paid to St. Mary's school for moderately mentally handicapped children, Athlumney, Navan, County Meath, (1) in 1977 and (2) in 1978, either directly or through the North Eastern Health Board; and if he is aware of the urgent need by the school for more money.
Written Answers. - Meath School Grants.
283.
The funding of this school is primarily a matter for the Department of Education and I understand that a similar question has been addressed to the Minister for Education regarding this matter.
My Department do not pay direct grants towards special schools but the North Eastern Health Board paid £1,750 in 1978 in capitation grants in respect of day attenders for services of a health nature. No payment was made in respect of 1977. I understand that the health board have not been approached by the authorities of the school to increase their grant.
In addition, the health board paid a capital grant of £11,000 towards the cost of the day care unit for severely mentally handicapped children which is attached to this school. The running costs of this unit which were £1,688 in 1977 and £18,400 in 1978, are being met in full by the health board.