Jack Wall
Question:65. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding fee paying schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38880/13]
View answerThursday, 19 September 2013
Questions (65, 76)
Brendan Smith
Question:76. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the wide-spread concerns of Boards of Management and Parents' Associations of smaller fee-charging schools in relation to the increase in the pupil/teacher ratio; if his attention has been drawn to the serious impact such increases will have on such schools, particularly schools under the patronage of Protestant Churches; his views on whether such schools provide a very important educational resource for many children in rural areas; the proposals he has to assist such schools to remain viable; his views on whether those schools play an important role in the plurality and diversity in educational provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39029/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 76 together.
The issues raised in each of these questions relate to budgetary matters. The budget for education, including the number of teaching posts that we can afford to fund in schools is a matter that I will have to consider with my colleagues in Cabinet in the context of the forthcoming budget. The decisions in relation to such matters will be announced at budget time.
The Government will endeavour to protect frontline education services as best as possible. However, this must be done within the context of bringing our overall public expenditure into line with what we can afford as a country. The challenge will be to ensure that the resources that can be provided are used to maximum effect to achieve the best possible outcome for pupils.