Vol. 537 No. 5
137 Mr. Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a report on the transfer of funds from her Department to the Department of Education and Science to meet the commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to significantly increase the moneys available for caretaking and secretarial services in schools (details supplied). [16867/01]
In line with a PPF commitment to mainstream certain essential services provided under the community employment programme, officials from my Department are at an advanced stage of discussions with their counterparts in the Department of Education and Science regarding this issue. These discussions are aimed at ensuring that, as CE schemes in schools are phased out, funding equivalent to the amount spent on such schemes would be made available to that Department.
The purpose of these discussions is to transfer full responsibility for the funding of ancillary services in schools, such as secretarial and caretaking assistance, to that Department, which would ensure a uniform and equitable system of funding for such services. I anticipate that the transfer of CE funding for schools can begin in time for the new school year in September next. I am confident that the transfer of such moneys to the Department of Education and Science will result in significant improvements in such services for all schools and provide enhanced opportunities for participants on the programme.
I hope to make a further announcement regarding this matter in the near future.
