Pat Carey
Question:226 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will sanction a caretaker for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19921/97]
Written Answers. - Caretaking Services.
My Department provides funding towards the cost of caretaking services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1979 scheme for the employment of caretakers under which my Department meets the full cost of salary and employer's PRSI. However, this scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant. The second scheme is the provision by my Department of additional capitation grants for primary schools as agreed under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and has been in operation since 1 September 1992.
St. Kevin's school had a full time caretaker under the 1979 scheme until November 1996 at which stage the caretaker resigned. The school at this time was not eligible for the appointment of a replacement full-time caretaker and consequently my Department has since provided funding to the school on the basis of the additional capitation grants agreed under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. St. Kevin's school is currently in receipt of a grant of £15 per pupil per annum (subject to a maximum grant of £7,500) towards the cost of caretaking services. Under the scheme the school authority has discretion to apply the funding to meet its particular caretaking needs.