asked the Minister for Education if she will restore the £230,000 which she has taken from the grant for disadvantaged primary schools in 1987 in order for the schools to survive in the autumn term this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Primary Schools Grant.
45.
One hundred and fifty-five schools serving some 48,000 pupils, which amount to about 9 per cent of the total primary schools enrolment, are now participating in the programme of special educational measures for schools in disadvantaged areas. Among the schools assisted are those in the most disadvantaged areas of the country. Accordingly, only a limited expansion of the list of participating schools is envisaged for 1987.
Substantial assistance will be maintained to all the schools taking part in the programme. In the circumstances it is considered that the amount of money available this year will be sufficient to ensure the adequate funding of the scheme.
Arising from the Minister's extraordinary answer, will she say why she concealed this particularly cowardly cut when the education cuts of £11 million were announced on 31 March? Is the Minister seriously telling the House that £250,000 less for the disadvantaged, with rising unemployment, huge insurance increases and a freezing of the capitation grant to primary schools will ensure that these inner city schools will be as well looked after in 1987 as they were in 1986? Why did the Minister conceal the cut?
The financial assistance——
Why did she conceal the cut?
Order.
Answer the question.
The question is being answered. Please let the Minister reply.
The financial assistance will be maintained at about the same level as in previous years.
Why do you not tell us?
(Interruptions.)
The financial assistance will be maintained at about the same level as in previous years as a large increase in the number of participating schools will not occur this year. The scheme was started so that gradually the number of schools could be admitted to it. We have now 155 schools serving 48,000 pupils participating in the programme of special educational measures for schools in disadvantaged areas and, therefore, only a limited expansion of the list of participating schools is envisaged in 1987. The level of assistance to the participating schools is at the level at which it was previously. That is quite clear and, furthermore, I repeat that the financial assistance will be maintained at the same level as in previous years.
Did the Minister consult with the INTO and the primary school managers before she decided to cut nearly £250,000 from their grant? Will she restore £250,000 to the most disadvantaged schools in the country to help them over this difficult period?
As I said earlier, I have been the first Minister for Education to——
Did you consult them?
Deputy Hussey is extremely——
Order, please.
Answer the question.
No.
Please let the interruptions cease.
(Interruptions.)
You are not the Minister any more——
(Interruptions.)
The Minister might be allowed to answer.
She will not answer.
I seem to excite a level of huge activity among the female members of the Opposition when I rise to speak.
(Interruptions.)
It does the dignity of this House no good when the Opposition members will not allow the Minister to reply.
(Interruptions.)
Please, Deputies.
(Interruptions.)
Yes or no. Give a simple answer.
(Interruptions.)
The barracking from Deputy Hussey must cease.
She will not answer the question. There is no point in listening to this utter rubbish.
The financial assistance will be maintained at the same level——
(Interruptions.)
She is not being allowed to answer the question. Let us be fair about this. The Deputy has asked a question. Will she please allow the Minister to reply——
Yes or no?
——and hear her out, without interruption.
Will the Minister say yes or no? Did you ask them in advance?
I will answer as I see fit, not as you see fit. The Deputy asked if I had consulted with the INTO and with the primary school managers. I have had discussions with all national bodies——
About this issue?
I met the INTO and the primary school managers.
That concludes Question Time for today.
I am totally dissatisfied with the answer given to Question No. 9 and I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with Deputy Deasy.
It is about St. Paul's School in County Waterford.
(Interruptions.)