Michael Creed
Question:140 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will make representations to the Department of Finance to have a VAT refund scheme for schools in relation to educational equipment.
Written Answers. - VAT Refund Scheme.
In my view, the type of scheme suggested by the Deputy would of necessity involve defining the categories and types of equipment to be covered. Such a scheme could become unduly complex and would involve both schools and my Department in additional unwarranted bureaucracy.
The grants payable to schools towards running costs afford school authorities wide discretion in relation to the purchase of materials and equipment for their schools, and it is preferable in my view to cater for the needs of schools by addressing the adequacy of the grant level.
To this end I have obtained substantial increases in the grants towards the running costs of schools in 1994 at both primary and post-primary levels.