asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the increasing financial problems of secondary schools; and if it is proposed to increase capitation grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Secondary School Capitation Grants.
47.
As I stated on previous occasions, I am having an examination made of the position relating to the payment of capitation grants to secondary schools, including the basis on which they are paid. I am not in a position to say what the result will be.
Is the Minister aware that a number of Dublin secondary schools have recently increased their fees and that the cost of educating their children is rapidly outpacing the resources of many of the citizens of this city? Would the Minister comment on that position?
It is a fairly wide consideration—the question of whether a classical type of secondary education would be suitable for all arises for consideration and also the question of the guidance of children with appropriate talents into other forms of post-primary education. As I already said, it is being done at the moment. I think these considerations are influenced by the country's resources. We should get the best value for the money available for education.
Is it not a generally accepted principle in most educationally advanced countries in the world that such education should be available for all children?
Secondary education in the sense in which we know it is not free in any European country.
I do not know what your terms of reference are, what you regard as secondary education.
Are you referring to the eleven-plus?
No.