Vol. 396 No. 6
232 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education whether there are conditions in all agreements she has with religious interests who manage or own schools or training colleges which would preclude the State endowment of these interests in the event of their closure; if she is satisfied that the Constitutional prohibition on the endowment of religion is assured; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As I indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 324 and 325 of 24 October, 1989, a review of the legal position in relation to the funding of the primary teacher training colleges is being undertaken by my Department at present, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further pending the outcome of this review.
The position in relation to national schools is that the Minister for Education is a party to the lease of each school. The schools authorities would not be able to dispose of a national school property without the express consent of the Minister. Such consent would not be forthcoming without agreement on terms for the disposal of the school especially the amount of grant money to be repaid to the Department. This procedure is not seen to be in conflict with the Constitution.
My Department have satisfied themselves that the operation of the scheme for the payment of grants towards the building of recognised secondary schools does not conflict with Article 44 of the Constitution.
The standard lease used in the scheme provides for the repayment of the amount representing the unexpired value of the grant in the event of closure of a secondary school.
