Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Caretakers.

Noel Ahern

Question:

233 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the reason a caretaker has not been appointed to St. Kevin's national school, Finglas West, Dublin 11, following the retirement of the previous occupant; if the staffing of the early start programme and the substitutes panel for the area which is attached to the school have been included in the calculation; the security arrangements which are made for the school secretary from 2.40 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and if exceptions can be made for this school in a very disadvantaged area with resultant extra problems such as break-ins and loitering in grounds. [12936/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has allowed the replacement of caretakers on a full-time basis during the current school year where the schools in question have the required number of teachers to qualify for such an appointment.

Unfortunately, as St. Kevin's national school does not have the required number of teachers, it is not possible to sanction the appointment of a full-time caretaker to the school.

I should point out to the Deputy that, as teachers on the substitute panel are based in a particular school mainly for administrative purposes and service the needs of a number of surrounding schools, they are not taken into account when determining the school's eligibility for a full-time caretaker.

Security arrangements for the school secretary and-or any other person employed in the school are a matter for the board of management as the employing authority.

I regret that due to the many competing demands on limited resources I am not in a position to alter the arrangements which are in place at present.