asked the Minister for Education why he is not prepared to provide all the necessary finances for the provision of national schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Building Finances.
38.
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy's question would imply that there should be a fundamental departure from our existing primary education system, which is one of State-aided schools rather than State schools. Under the present system State grants are provided towards the cost of building, equipping and maintaining primary schools which have been established by the local initiative, are vested in local trustees and are under the direct government of a local management authority.
It would be my desire that local ownership and control of the schools should be maintained. This, of course, implies that some proportion of the cost of building, maintenance and equipment must be met otherwise than by State grants.
Would the Minister not agree that in the context of cost as it is today the cost of the site for the primary school should also be included as part of the overall cost and that a grant be given accordingly?
Mr. R. Burke
Many things are desirable but are not necessarily feasible, given the overall situation. That is a matter which I have under constant consideration.
Would the Minister indicate roughly the percentage of cost which is borne by the State and the percentage borne locally? I am aware that it varies from place to place.
Mr. R. Burke
It covers approximately 86 per cent to 90 per cent— moving up towards 90 per cent.
Would it not be possible to raise the percentage without interfering with the system?
Mr. R. Burke
Indeed, it would not. That was the point of my reply to Deputy R.P. Burke—many things may be desirable but not necessarily feasible within overall financial constraints.