Vol. 435 No. 9
252 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the poor salary for school caretakers; if she intends to recommend an increase in salary for school caretakers; the number of school caretakers employed by her Department, both at primary and post-primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The pay of school caretakers in primary and post-primary schools is determined by reference to the pay of comparable grades in local authorities. I understand that an adjustment on a phased basis in the rate of pay for school caretakers in rural areas under the terms of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress is under consideration at present.
The number of caretakers employed at primary level at present is 271. The total for the post-primary level is 479. Caretakers in primary, community and comprehensive schools are employed by their respective boards of management. In the case of the voluntary secondary schools, they are employed by the relevant school authorities. Caretakers in vocational schools are in the employment of vocational education committees.
