Vol. 445 No. 8
6 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education the special considerations given to gaelscoileanna in relation to pupil/teacher ratio, capitation grants and capital funding; the way in which these compare with other primary schools; and when and the basis on which the extra benefits were first allowed to gaelscoileanna in each case. [1155/94]
162 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education when the extra 50 per cent capitation grant was first allowed to all-Irish schools in the Gaeltacht; and the basis on which this was done. [1303/94]
166 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education the basis on which the more favourable teacher/pupil ratio was first introduced for all-Irish schools in the Gaeltacht; and when this was introduced. [1309/94]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 162 and 166 together.
Gaelscoileanna have a more favourable pupil-teacher ratio than ordinary primary schools. I will arrange for a copy of the staffing schedules for both types of schools to be circulated in the Official Report. The gaelscoileanna become entitled to a more favourable pupil-teacher ratio from a complement of two staff upwards.
In addition to the normal capitation grant, gaelscoileanna are allocated a bonus payment based on 50 per cent of the capitation grant. The current grant rate per pupil for ordinary schools is £38 with an additional £17 per pupil for disadvantaged schools. The rate for gaelscoilenna is £57 per pupil.
This additional bonus payment was granted to gaelscoileanna from the 1977-78 school year. The records in the Department of Education indicate that the more favourable treatment was sought on behalf of the then Minister on the basis that the catchment areas for pupils attending the schools were larger than those of ordinary schools and invariably covered a number of parishes.
The gaelscoileanna play a valuable role in promoting the Irish language which has special recognition under Article 8.1 of the Constitution as the official language.
Where management authorities of gaelscoileanna have no suitable sites, or where existing school buildings are not available, full cost grants are provided for suitable sites and permanent accommodation. These grants are provided when the need for permanent schools is clearly established and where the schools have permanent recognition status. This practice has been in operation since 1978.
The position in ordinary schools is that school authorities must provide the site, while grant-aid for the school building varies between 85 per cent and 95 per cent.
Schedule of enrolment of pupils governing the appointment and retention of assistants in all-Irish national schools.
The figure required for these purposes are the figures of enrolments on 30th September of the preceding school year.
This schedule will come into effect from the school year 1994/95.
|
First Appointment |
Retention Figure |
|
|
1st Assistant |
29 |
25 |
|
2nd Assistant |
59 |
59 |
|
3rd Assistant |
80 |
80 |
|
4th Assistant |
100 |
100 |
|
5th Assistant |
127 |
127 |
|
6th Assistant |
162 |
162 |
|
7th Assistant |
195 |
195 |
|
8th Assistant |
227 |
227 |
|
9th Assistant |
256 |
256 |
|
10th Assistant |
268 |
268 |
|
11th Assistant |
302 |
302 |
|
12th Assistant |
334 |
334 |
|
13th Assistant |
367 |
367 |
|
14th Assistant |
400 |
400 |
|
15th Assistant |
433 |
433 |
|
16th Assistant |
466 |
466 |
|
17th Assistant |
499 |
499 |
For 18th assistant and upwards, add an additional 32 units of enrolment.
Schedule of enrolment of pupils governing the appointment and retention of assistants in national schools.
The figure required for these purposes are the figures of enrolments on 30th September of the preceding school year.
This schedule will come into effect from the school year 1994/95.
|
First Appointment |
Retention Figure |
|
|
1st Assistant |
29 |
25 |
|
2nd Assistant |
63 |
59 |
|
3rd Assistant |
97 |
92 |
|
4th Assistant |
127 |
127 |
|
5th Assistant |
162 |
162 |
|
6th Assistant |
195 |
195 |
|
7th Assistant |
227 |
227 |
|
8th Assistant |
256 |
256 |
|
9th Assistant |
268 |
268 |
|
10th Assistant |
302 |
302 |
|
11th Assistant |
334 |
334 |
|
12th Assistant |
367 |
367 |
|
13th Assistant |
400 |
400 |
|
14th Assistant |
433 |
433 |
|
15th Assistant |
466 |
466 |
|
16th Assistant |
499 |
499 |
For 17th assistant and upwards, add an additional 32 units of enrolment.
