Vol. 322 No. 11
asked the Minister for Education the reasons for seeking a 33½ per cent local contribution in respect of the new national school at Shannon, County Clare; and if he will undertake to reduce substantially his request for a one-third contribution from the local community.
96.
asked the Minister for Education the average local contribution in respect of national schools for each year since 1973.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
The rules for national schools provide that the normal grant for the building, improvement and furnishing of national schools is two-thirds of the cost, the local contribution being one-third. There is provision, however, for the payment of grants at a rate higher than the normal two-thirds of the cost if local circumstances are deemed to warrant this. The payment of improved rates of grant is a matter for negotiation with the local school authorities.
With regard to the grant to be paid in respect of the proposed extension to Shannon No. 4 (St. Tola's) National School, no negotiations have been initiated by the reverend chairman for a rate of grant in excess of the normal two-thirds. It is understood, however, that he proposes to initiate negotiations in the near future. My Department will then attend to the matter in accordance with normal procedures.
