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School Management

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 January 2014

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Questions (280, 281, 282)

Jim Daly

Question:

280. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the recourse available to suppliers of goods and services to school boards of management, who cannot get payment from the school board despite the Department having issued payments to the school board for these specified services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4039/14]

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Jim Daly

Question:

281. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the level of accountability, by school boards of management, to his Department for the expenditure of moneys allocated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4040/14]

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Jim Daly

Question:

282. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents are not entitled to the minutes of board of management meetings from their local schools; if in view of recent controversies regarding transparency of boards, he is satisfied with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4041/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 to 282, inclusive, together.

In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively. Boards of Management are required to comply with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the relevant rules for schools and the terms of Circulars issued by my Department.

In accordance with section 18 of the Education Act 1998, schools are required to keep all proper and usual accounts and records of all moneys received by it or expenditure of such moneys incurred by it and must ensure that in each year all such accounts are properly audited or certified in accordance with best accounting practice. The Act further requires that such accounts shall be made available by the school for inspection by the Minister and by parents of students in the school, in so far as those accounts relate to moneys provided in accordance with Section 12 of the Act. Furthermore, the Board must satisfy itself that proper internal controls are in place for all financial transactions.

Generally, the Board of Management is responsible for contracts which exist between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor. For example where schools require temporary accommodation, the Board of Management is responsible for acquiring this accommodation and the rental contract is between the Board of Management and the supplying contractor. As the rental grant-aid is devolved to schools, it is a matter for school authorities to ensure that suppliers are paid in a timely manner.

It is a matter for each individual board to determine the information to be conveyed to parents, school staff and the school community. In doing so the board must be cognisant of its legal and other obligations in relation to, confidentiality, accuracy and security of all records and data held by the school.

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