asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the serious situation at the Mary Immaculate School for Deaf Boys, Stillorgan, County Dublin; if he has received a request from them for an increase in capitation grant and also for separate allowances for essential repairs; and the action, if any, it is proposed to take in the matter.
Written Answers. - Stillorgan (County Dublin) School for Deaf Boys.
34.
I have received a request on these lines from the Mary Immaculate School for Deaf Boys.
The scheme of capitation grants for national schools introduced in 1974 replaced a number of separate grant schemes towards the costs of heating, cleaning, painting and other essential maintenance works to these schools and involved a three-fold increase in State expenditure. Reverting to the former system of separate grants would not be of advantage to the school management who now have full authority to decide their own priorities.
The capitation grants are weighted in favour of special national schools catering for handicapped children. The question of increasing the level of grants is at present under consideration and I wish to assure the Deputy that the position of special schools will receive particular attention.