Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied) which wishes to receive a second caretaker in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/16]
View answerUnder arrangements introduced in 2009 as part of budgetary measures, schools like the one referred to by the Deputy are permitted to fill a caretaker vacancy provided they have no other caretaker. Given that this school already has a caretaker it is not permitted to fill a second caretaker post. Any improvement in these arrangements is dependent on the budgetary position and will, in the first instance, be targeted at the largest schools. In the meantime, if any additional caretaking is required it should be met from within the School Services Support Fund grant that is paid to the school. This grant will amount to €66,052 for the school year 2015/16, in respect of the school in question. Schools are permitted discretion in the application of the School Services Support Fund in accordance with their own needs and priorities. However, the provision of secretarial and maintenance services is a particular focus of this fund. The SSSF is a significant resource for schools in regard to employing additional administrative and maintenance staff.
