Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 9

Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.

Liam Kavanagh

Ceist:

24 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Education if she considers the proposal in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, which exclude national schools with 100 or fewer pupils from the extra capitation grant of £30 per pupil to provide school caretakers and typists, conforms with the spirit and letter of the Constitution in terms of cherishing all the children of the nation equally; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The various proposals under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress sought to address needs in order of priority within available resources.

In the context of relative priority, school size is a consideration for eligibility related to a number of the provisions under the programme, including that for caretaking and clerical services.

As noted in the programme the arrangements for caretaking and clerical services will be complemented for all school sizes including schools with under 100 pupils, where appropriate, by provisions under the social employment scheme.