Vol. 504 No. 4
281 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if secretarial services will be continued at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Ballymote, County Sligo (details supplied) in view of the fact that it allows the principal to engage in full-time teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12104/99]
Arising from the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, PESP, a scheme was introduced in 1992 whereby my Department provides additional capitation grants for primary schools towards the cost of clerical and caretaking services. This is the scheme under which Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is assisted towards the cost of these services.
Under the PESP scheme, schools receive grants of £30 per pupil – £15 for each service – based on their enrolments, which are paid as additions to the standard per capita grant. The level and extent of service provided is a matter for local school management who have discretion as to how the grants are to be applied for these services.
In September 1997 the qualifying enrolment threshold for inclusion in the scheme was reduced to its current level of 195 pupils. Scoil Mhuire gan Smál met the qualifying criteria at that time and has been included in the scheme since then.
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is currently in receipt of £6,420 per annum – 214 pupils x £30 – towards the cost of clerical and caretaking services, which is the maximum amount available to the school under the current terms of the scheme. I am happy to assure the Deputy that the school will continue to receive assistance under this scheme.
