asked the Minister for Education when his review of the boards of management for primary schools will be completed; and if he will specify the changes arising out of the review.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary School Boards of Management.
29.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate, with the Official Report, a copy of the press release issued after the final review meeting on the 23 January 1979.
A copy of the revised draft scheme, referred to in the press release, is being placed in the Library.
Following is the press release:
Meetings of representatives of Patrons, Management Bodies, Teachers and Department of Education have been held over the past two months to review the operation of the scheme of management for national schools. The purpose of the review was to establish areas of agreement in regard to the amendment of the scheme. A revised draft scheme has now been completed and will be submitted to the various interests concerned. Copies will be available within the next few days. There are a number of outstanding matters of principle on which complete agreement has not been reached, namely, structure of boards, method and level of financing and arrangements for the appointment of teachers. However, a substantial measure of agreement was reached on practical and procedural matters which should greatly facilitate the operation of the boards. In particular, detailed arrangements were made for the handling of relations between teachers and boards of management and the resolution of grievances and disputes. Amendments have also been made to the arrangements for the appointment of teachers. The Minister indicated to the meeting today that decisions have not yet been taken in regard to the level of financing of national schools for 1979. It remains now to be seen whether the revised draft will be acceptable to the various interests concerned.
Is the Minister aware that the INTO are extremely dissatisfied with the results of the review and as a result have forbidden their teachers to take part in the work of these boards of management for a further period? Would he not accept that this calls for him to take an initiative in the matter to ensure that there will be full and adequate teacher representation on the boards?
I am not aware of what the Deputy has said. I have no official information that that is the case but I do not reject the suggestion that initiatives are required from me in the matter and the initiatives have been forthcoming over the last six months.
Could the Minister say what the findings of the review body were in relation to the capitation fee and when he proposes to make an increase in the capitation fee and by how much?
I have the greatest respect for the Deputy's ability to draw conclusions and if he looks at the Book of Estimates he will see that there is a sum there which allows for a substantial increase in capitation grants for primary schools.