Michael Ring
Question:1259 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 370 of 11 December 2001, a full-time caretaker will be provided under the 1978-79 scheme. [2000/02]
Written Answers. - School Services Staff.
My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial 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 in primary schools, under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. I can confirm that, as per my Department's records, the school referred to by the Deputy has the services of a full-time caretaker under this scheme. The 1978-79 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. It has been superseded in the PESP Agreement of 1992 by a more extensive grant scheme now referred to as the ancillary services grant.
The ancillary services grant provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. These grants are paid as additions to the standard per-capita grants. The scheme, by its nature, is flexible and gives boards of management discretion as to the manner in which secretarial and caretaking services are provided. The school referred to by the Deputy receives funding towards the cost of secretarial services under this scheme. The level of funding provided by my Department to the school has increased from the 25.39, £20, per pupil that applied in the 2000-2001 school year to the 50.79, £40, per pupil that applies in this school year. The payment at the rate of 50.79, £40, per pupil will issue to the school in February.