Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Services Staff.

Seán Haughey

Question:

289 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the sum of ?2.5 million set aside for schools experiencing difficulties as a result of the phasing out of community employment schemes; if the questionnaire from consultants has been sent to these schools as promised in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 274 of 4 February 2003; if the case of a primary school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 has been examined in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18502/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

As the Deputy is aware, my Department engaged a firm of consultants to examine the transitional difficulties that may be experienced by schools as a result of the withdrawal of CE personnel. Following discussions with the consultants, I have decided that it is not now appropriate to proceed with the original proposal. In reaching this decision, I have taken a number of factors into consideration. These factors include the actual amount of CE funds transferred from FÁS, the gradual nature of the withdrawal of CE schemes and the need to prioritise key areas within the parameters of current budgetary allocations.