Vol. 509 No. 6
560 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to construct additional classrooms and provide support for a full-time secretary for Scoil Áine national school, Raheny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21145/99]
An application for an extension has been received from the board of management of Scoil Áine national school, Raheny. My Department's planning and building unit is currently assessing the future accommodation requirements of the school. When this examination is complete a decision on the matter will be conveyed to the manager of the school. It would appear, however, from documentation recently received from the board of management that the school has already sought planning permission for an extension without reference to my Department.
With regard to the provision of support for a full-time secretary at the school, currently, my Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial services in primary schools under two separate schemes. Under the scheme for the employment of secretaries which was introduced in 1978, my Department meets the full cost of salary and employer's PRSI. Under this scheme a number of primary schools qualified for a shared secretary and Scoil Áine, Raheny, is currently involved in a sharing arrangement with another primary school. This scheme is however, being phased out as posts become vacant and there is no provision for the appointment of full time secretaries in posts which are being shared. Under 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 secretarial services.
Should the existing post fall vacant, my Department will provide Scoil Áine and the other primary school with a grant of £15 per pupil per annum towards the cost of secretarial services, subject to a maximum grant of £7,500 to each school, in accordance with the current terms of the PESP scheme.
