Vol. 426 No. 1
200 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she will make an ex-gratia annual payment available to Benincasa Special School, Blackrock, County Dublin, to enable that school to discharge its debts, to employ child care workers and to pay the exceptional costs associated with the special needs of this school and of its pupils.
The extra financial burden on special schools is recognised by my Department by the payment of an enhanced capitation grant to these schools. In the case of Benincasa Special School, a capitation of £112.00 per pupil is paid.
My Department has no facility to make ex-gratia payments of the type suggested by the Deputy.
I will be considering existing rates of capitation grant to schools in the light of the results of the unit cost study which is being undertaken by my Department.
An application for a child care assistant has been made by the school and this application will be fully considered in the event of any further posts becoming available.
