asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the secretarial services available to (a) primary, (b) secondary, (c) vocational and (d) community and comprehensive schools; the regulations regarding the appointment and retention of such secretarial personnel; if he intends to make any changes in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Secretarial Personnel.
344.
The information is as follows:
National and Secondary Schools: Copies of the scheme introduced by me with effect from 1 April 1978 for the provision of clerical assistance in national and secondary schools were placed in the Oireachtas Library on 7 November 1978. The relevant circulars from my Department are 15/78 of May 1978 and 1978 of November 1978.
Vocational Schools: Clerical posts are sanctioned by my Department for individual vocational education committees in accordance with the established needs of the committees. The allocation of the staff made available for specific duties in respect of particular schools is a matter for each committee.
Comprehensive and Community Schools: Each school may appoint one whole-time clerical employee, and as circumstances require, may in addition secure part-time clerical assistance.
The present arrangements as outlined in relation to each category of school appear to me to be adequate and suitable.