Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 1

Written Answers. - Caretaker Appointment.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

156 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Education if she will appoint a permanent caretaker to St. Brigid's, Bothar Brugha, Drogheda, County Louth; if her attention has been drawn to the need of this school for assistance in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The current scheme to provide schools with caretaking services was introduced in September 1992 and is being extended within the primary school sector on a phased basis. The scheme provides a supplementary capitation grant to schools qualifying for assistance.

The programme currently provides assistance to primary schools with single enrolments of 400 pupils or over, schools with disadvantaged status of 200 pupils or over and schools of 12 teachers or over catering for children with special needs.

Unfortunately the school in question does not qualify on the basis of its current enrolment.

The guidelines are currently under review in line with the commitment to a phased expansion of the scheme and I would expect a revised position to be in place by September 1994.

It is not possible at this stage to state whether the school in question will qualify under this revision.

Schools qualifying for grant assistance toward the cost of caretaking services are notified by my Department when they become eligible.