Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - School Accommodation.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

241 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve 90 per cent funding towards the cost of renting temporary accommodation for Gealscoil Faithleann, Cill Áirne, as is the case with two other Gaelscoils (details supplied); the reason Gaelscoil Faithleann is being treated differently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11164/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

As an all-Irish school, Gaelscoil Faithleann receives funding towards the cost of renting temporary accommodation at the rate of 75 per cent. The corresponding rate for other categories of national schools is 50 per cent.

A very small number of all-Irish schools, which claimed that they had difficulty in meeting the balance of their rental costs, are being grant-aided at the rate of 90 per cent. Policy in this regard was reviewed recently by my Department with a view to ensuring that such applications should be treated as consistently as possible.

Arising from that review, it has been decided that the level of grant-aid payable to all-Irish schools should be maintained at 75 per cent. Applications for such schools for higher levels of assistance will be favourably considered only in cases where the relevant school is in a designated area of disadvantage. Gaelscoil Faithleann is not in such an area and, in the circumstances, the level of grant-aid cannot be increased in this case.

A comprehensive review of all matters relating to the recognition of primary schools, including the payment of grant-aid towards rental costs, is being carried out at present by the commission on school accommodation needs. I will review existing policy in this area in the light of the commission's recommendations.

In the meantime, my Department will continue to help Gaelscoil Faithleann to defray its rental costs for as long as the school remains in temporary accommodation.