Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Additional Assistance for Schools.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

484 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm her commitment outlined in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress (details supplied) and in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work (details supplied) to provide additional grant aid to all primary schools of 100 pupils upwards for caretaking and clerical services; if so, whether this commitment will be honoured by September 1996, at the commencement of the new school year and before the expiry of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work agreement in December 1996. [15494/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I remain committed to the provision of additional assistance to schools for caretaking and clerical services. Since 1992, the scheme of additional capitation grants to primary schools in respect of clerical and caretaking services has been expanded in line with the Programme for Economic and Social Progress-Programme for Competitiveness and Work undertakings. The scheme has been extended to more schools by a reduction of the qualifying enrolment towards the target of schools with 100 pupils or more. However, present indications are that, in light of current resource constraints, it will not be possible to meet this target by September 1996.