Enda Kenny
Question:60 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education if she will exhort schools to integrate a Buy Irish philosophy into school classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Buy Irish Philosophy.
Jim Mitchell
Question:69 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if she will exhort schools to integrate a Buy Irish philosophy into school classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Gay Mitchell
Question:106 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if she will exhort schools to integrate a Buy Irish philosophy into school classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 69 and 106 together.
I am satisfied that the existing primary and post primary school curricula already afford teachers adequate scope for dealing with the needs of Ireland within the overall European context.
The Deputies will be aware of the terms of the Treaty of Rome, and will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me as Minister to be actively involved in any campaign which could be interpreted as being in breach of Article 30 of the Treaty.
Martin Cullen
Question:61 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Education the total cost to the State, inclusive of administrative salaries, administrative costs, expenses, capital expenditure on offices, and other such costs of the Vocational Education Committees in the last year for which figures are available.
The net cost to the State of the administration expenses of Vocational Education Committee, including schools, for the year ended 31 December, 1992, was approximately £15.300 million, after a proportionate deduction is made for vocational education committees' own receipts. Included are the pay costs of chief executive officers and vocational education committee clerical/administrative staff (including school secretaries), travelling and maintenance expenses of Committee members and office staff, insurance premiums and general office expenses.
The Department does not provide capital funding for vocational education committee office premises; the cost of office expenses, e.g. leasing, renting, etc. are therefore met from the vocational education committees current grant.