Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 2

Written Answers - School Insurance.

Michael Creed

Question:

88 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce a scheme of insurance for voluntary secondary schools whereby the State will indemnify the property under its current ownership structure in view of the high cost of school insurance for the voluntary secondary schools; the estimated cost of such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12270/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

As the Deputy will be aware, the funding arrangements for our schools, including insurance, have evolved in a manner that reflects the sectoral division of our second level system. In the case of voluntary secondary schools, it is a matter for the managerial authorities of the individual schools to arrange insurance cover on school property and against public liability. Grant aid towards voluntary secondary school funding costs provided by my Department by way of per capita grants may be used for this purpose.

The recommendations made by the Blackstock Group for the future funding arrangements of second level schools are under continuing review. The Blackstock Group identified a number of policy options in relation to school insurance. However the group did not provide estimates of the costs involved in these options.

Although my priority is to focus on the issue of adequacy of funding, I am conscious of the traditional anomalies that have evolved in the funding arrangements, including insurance, for the different school types at second level, and I am committed to bring greater equity and cohesion to this particular aspect of the funding of schools in the light of available resources.