Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 3

Written Answers. - County Tipperary School Appointment.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

121 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction the appointment of a permanent secretary to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary where they are experiencing difficulty with the lack of consistent and permanent secretarial staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Programme for Economic and Social Progress provided for the introduction of a phased programme to expand the provision of caretaking and clerical services to all national schools with 100 pupils upwards.

Phase 1 of this programme was introduced in September 1992 and targeted schools with enrolments of 500 pupils or more which did not have caretaking and-or clerical services already. Phase 2, implemented in September 1993, using the same criteria, catered for schools with 400 + pupils, as well as making special provision for schools in designated disadvantaged areas and special schools.

At this stage it is not possible to indicate when the school might expect to receive assistance under any subsequent phase of the programme. I should add that the arrangements arising from the programme are complemented by provisions for clerical and caretaking services under the social employment scheme.