asked the Minister for Education the special facilities, over and above those given to ordinary primary schools, which are granted to all-Irish primary schools in terms of grants, teacher numbers, and school transport arrangements; and the additional cost to the Exchequer of those facilities.
Written Answers. - All-Irish Primary Schools' Facilities.
145.
The special facilities granted to all-Irish primary schools are as follows: (a) 50 per cent increase in the ordinary rate of capitation grant; (b) the appointment of a second and third assistant teacher on a reduced average, and the appointment of an additional teacher over and above that warranted under the ordinary regulations in schools of more than four teachers; (c) the full cost of the new school building and site is met by the State; (d) an allowance of £487 per annum is currently payable to each teacher in respect of teaching through Irish.
The estimated cost of these benefits in 1988 is: (a) £100,320; (b) £595,000; (c) Not available; (d) £140,256.
As regards school transport, eligibility is determined by reference to the distance from the nearest suitable school. For those who wish to attend an all-Irish school, the nearest all-Irish school is regarded as being the nearest suitable school. The additional cost to the Exchequer in transporting pupils to all-Irish primary schools is estimated to be approximately £130,000 per annum.