Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
116. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the issue at a national school in Louth (details supplied); the steps being taken to resolve the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13877/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the school in question are currently renting a premises known as the Old School Hall from the parish in Tallanstown, Co Louth to accommodate a mainstream class pending completion of a build. The school have applied to the Department for additional funding to pay utility bills associated with the rental premises. Utility bills and other operational costs fall to be paid from the school's capitation grant. Capitation Grants are paid to all recognised Primary schools and Post-Primary Schools in the Free Education Scheme, on the basis of enrolments.
The school in question has received Cost of Living grant and their 1st moiety of capitation funding. Both these grants are for the daily running costs of schools, e.g. light, heat, etc.
The services of the Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU) are available to all Primary schools and this includes advice and assistance with financial matters including budgeting. They can be contact on 01-9104020 or email primary@fssu.ie.
My Department is continuing to liaise with the school authorities and school Patron in relation to the rental of premises from the parish.
