asked the Minister for Education if, in view of her recent statement regarding rationalisation of second level education, she has plans to abolish fee paying schools; and if such schools give an unfair advantage to some higher income students.
Written Answers. - Fee Paying Schools.
293.
I do not have any plans to abolish fee paying schools.
Following an announcement by the then Minister, in connection with the 1986 budget, capitation grants were withdrawn from fee charging secondary schools with effect from the commencement of the 1986-87 school year. Teachers' salaries continue to be paid to teachers in such schools, which are providing a service for children who would otherwise have to be catered for in other schools. Teachers would still have to be employed and salaries paid to them. I do not accept that such schools give an unfair advantage to their pupils.