Question:
221 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review a decision of his Department to demand money from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [10196/01]
Written Answers. - School Services Staff.
At primary level, my Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services 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. Under this scheme, the school referred to by the Deputy has the services of a full-time caretaker. While my Department provides funding for the school in question in respect of the caretaker's salary, the board of management of the school is his employer. Payment of salary to the board of management issues on an annual basis in two instalments one in January and the balance in October. However, because the caretaker in question exhausted his entitlement to paid sick leave during the period July to October 2000, an overpayment to the school authorities occurred. A refund of the moneys owed has been sought from the school. The caretaker is entitled to, and claimed disability benefit from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs for the duration of his sick leave. He is entitled to 91 days paid sick leave in any 12 month period as part of his conditions of service. However, any moneys claimed from the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs during the period while he was on paid sick leave, are refundable to the Department of Education and Science. Officials of my Department issued a letter to the principal of the school in question on 15 March last clearly setting out the details of the refund owed to this Department from the school authorities. As the money was paid to the board of management as the caretaker's employer, it is a responsibility of the board to ensure that the overpayment is refunded.