asked the Minister for Education if the capital contribution to be sought from the private interests involved in the community schools programme will be 5 per cent of the total in all cases; and the reasons for any variation from the proposal that may be contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Community Schools Programme.
17.
The situation is that in the case of the Dublin Archdiocese agreement has been reached with the diocesan authorities that the local contribution will be 5 per cent, negotiable downwards in certain cases to 4 per cent of the cost of buildings and equipment. It has been agreed that in the case of new schools outside the Dublin Archdiocese which do not replace an existing secondary school the standard local contribution for community schools involving the amalgamation of a secondary school should be not more than 5 per cent.
The reason for a variation from 5 per cent, where such would be approved, in the case of community schools involving the amalgamation of a secondary school would be related to the consequences for the finances or property of the religious order involved.
Is the Minister aware that the considerable argument and discussion which went on about the deed of trust for community schools was premised on the understanding that there would be a 5 per cent contribution payable by the religious orders concerned and 5 per cent payable by the VEC concerned? Would the Minister say why it is that in the Dublin area in particular the religious orders concerned are now to get away with less than everyone thought they would have to pay in order to participate in this scheme?
As I stated in my reply, it is not necessarily so that they will get away with less, as the Deputy puts it. It is negotiable downwards for the reasons stated.
In relation to the Dublin area, is the Minister aware that in that area the majority of schools concerned are greenfield schools? Can he give any indication why in a greenfield situation there should be any negotiation at all about the amount of the capital contribution?
The general terms of my answer are that this is negotiable in certain instances. It does not necessarily apply in the greenfield situation.
Is it fair to assume from what the Minister has said that as far as the public contribution is concerned the full 5 per cent will be made to stick but the 5 per cent private contribution is negotiable downwards at the Minister's discretion?
The terms of the answer indicate that it is negotiable downwards.