asked the Minister for Education with reference to the Dominican Primary Schools, Bally-fermot, Dublin (i) the total number of teachers; (ii) the total number of pupils; if in such a big set of schools on one campus he will allow for a secretary and a first-aid nurse; and in view of the fact that the schools were built under a low cost building scheme, with consequent maintenance problems, if he will make a special grant available to the schools.
Written Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Schools.
179.
There are at present 65 teachers employed in the five national schools in question and the average enrolment of pupils for the quarter ended 31 December 1978 was 1,902.
Under a scheme which I introduced for the provision of clerical assistance from the larger schools two appointments have been sanctioned by my Department from these schools.
The scheme of capitation grants for national schools is of general application and I am not accordingly in a position to make special grants available in particular cases. The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that I have increased the capitation grant payable in the current school year from £8 to £10 per pupil and that a local contribution of at least 25 per cent, that is £2.50 per pupil, should also be available to the board of management.
I have no funds at my disposal out of which I could make provision for the nursing services in national schools.