School Services Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2006

Tuesday, 24 October 2006

Questions (561)

Richard Bruton

Question:

634 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 is not in receipt of payment from her Department, with all of the ancillary pay scales and benefits in view of the fact that their school has 17 full time teachers, and is only receiving an ancillary grant towards the post of caretaker; if she will immediately investigate this situation and determine whether the caretaker in this instance will now be paid directly by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34517/06]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in primary and secondary schools under two separate schemes. One is the 1978/79 scheme under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. These staff members are paid directly through my Department's payroll.

The 1978/79 scheme has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools including secretarial and caretaking services. The scheme is flexible in nature giving Boards of Management and schools discretion as to the manner in which these services are provided. This is the scheme under which the school referred to by the Deputy is now funded in respect of caretaking services. There are no plans to pay the caretakers funded under this scheme, directly through my Department's payroll.