My Department provides funding towards the cost of clerical and caretaking services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978-79 scheme for the employment of school secretaries and caretakers under which my Department meets the full cost of salary and employer's PRSI. This scheme is, however, being phased out as posts become vacant.
Arising from the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, PESP, a second scheme was introduced in 1992 whereby my Department provides additional capitation grants for primary schools towards the cost of clerical and caretaking services. Under the PESP scheme, schools receive grants of £30 per pupil, based on their enrolments, which are paid as additions to the standard per capita grant.
Since its introduction in 1992, the scheme has been expanded in line with undertakings given in the PESP. The scheme has been extended to include more schools by reducing the qualifying enrolment threshold to its current figure of 195 pupils, with an ultimate target of providing additional capitation grants to all primary schools with 100 pupils or more.
Unfortunately, the school referred to by the Deputy does not qualify for an additional capitation grant at this stage as its current enrolment of 163 pupils is below the qualifying threshold.
However, I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to further improvements in this programme until such time as all primary schools of 100 pupils or over will ultimately be assisted towards the cost of clerical and caretaking services.
Applications received from the school for improvement works and replacement windows are currently being assessed by the planning and building units of my Department. My Department will shortly be in contact with the school regarding these matters.
