asked the Minister for Education the average per capita cost from public funds for a student (a) at primary school and (b) attending a third level institution in respect of the school year 1981-82.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Student Cost.
8.
The average per capita cost from public funds for the 1982 financial year for a primary school pupil was £470, and £2,160 for a student at a third-level institution.
In those circumstances, and bearing in mind that the bulk of the children at our primary schools come from families normally called working-class families, although in my estimation they are tax-paying families, does the Minister accept that the time has come when we must redress the situation? She indicated that we are giving £2,160 as a subsidy for third level students and a mere £470 in the case of primary students. There is a constitutional requirement already that primary education should be free.
I am sure the Deputy will accept that, within those figures concerning the cost of primary education and third level education, there is a very large element of the cost of equipment facilities at third level which are on quite a different scale from the kind of equipment needed for primary education.
I accept that, and surely the Minister will accept that she cannot dismiss from primary, secondary or third level education the fact that there must be visual or other aids. What applies at third level could more appropriately apply at junior level, which is the foundation level for all education. She cannot dismiss it in that fashion.
I would not dismiss anything coming from the Deputy's good self. There is a very large element indeed in that cost of equipment. We must consider the kind of equipment we are talking about at third level. I do not suppose a primary school needs very expensive medical microscopes and that sort of equipment which costs thousands and thousands of pounds for each item.
The Minister will also accept that, as between primary and third level education, the parents of the primary students must contribute each week a certain amount towards heating and maintaining the school. Third level students do not have to make any such contribution. I am conscious of the fact that the Minister inherited a situation. I am not attributing any fault which may lie in it to her good self. I am anxious to ascertain whether in the duration of her ministry the apparent injustice might be redressed.