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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1980

Vol. 318 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Education Scheme.

6.

asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a statement by a spokesman for secondary school interests reported in a newspaper (details supplied) to the effect that the free education scheme is on the point of collapse; if he agrees with this statement; and the action he proposes to take in the matter.

I have seen the statement in question and I do not agree with it. I propose having discussions in the near future with the representatives of the school authorities.

Does the Minister not accept that there is any truth at all in the statement to which the question refers, or that the schools in question are experiencing any degree of financial hardship in an attempt to provide free education?

He does not.

Does the Minister believe that at the moment free education, properly speaking, exists anywhere in the secondary sector outside the vocational and comprehensive schools?

He does.

Is the Minister aware that the person who made this statement was told that the answer to his request for more money would be given in the budget and nothing was contained in the budget for him?

There were no promises made that were not delivered on.

Can the Minister say when he meets the representatives of those schools concerned whether or not he will be offering them any more money?

The Minister cannot.

I was afraid of that.

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