Vol. 490 No. 2
316 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant aid, per square metre, available from his Department for building of vocational schools, voluntary secondary schools, community schools and community colleges; and the reason variable rates are available for different types of school. [10121/98]
Grant aid for post-primary capital purposes is determined by reference to the value of approved projects and not by square metre of accommodation.
The current rates are 100 per cent for vocational schools and community colleges and 90 per cent for voluntary secondary schools. The parties to the deed of trust of a community school are required to contribute 5 per cent towards the initial building cost of the school.
I should explain that the legal position in relation to the ownership of secondary schools is quite different from that of VEC and community schools where the buildings are effectively owned by the State.
Voluntary secondary schools are the property of the owners-managers. A capital grant may be paid towards the cost of building, furnishing and equipping a new secondary school or major refurbishment of existing secondary schools. The cost of providing the site is not grant aided. The contribution of 10 per cent reflects the different management and ownership structure of schools in the secondary sector.
