John Bruton
Ceist:463 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint a full time caretaker and secretary to Loreto primary school, Navan, County Meath. [18763/98]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
My Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services in primary schools under two separate schemes.
Under the schemes for the employment of secretaries and caretakers which were introduced in 1978 and 1979, my Department meets the full cost of salary and employer's PRSI. These schemes are being phased out as posts become vacant and there is no provision for the appointment of full time secretaries or caretakers in posts which are being shared.
Loreto primary school currently shares secretarial and caretaker posts with another primary school in Navan under the terms of the 1978 and 1979 schemes. In the circumstances it will not be possible to sanction the appointment of a full-time secretary or caretaker to Loreto Primary School.
Under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress (PESP), a second scheme was introduced in 1992 whereby my Department provides additional capitation grants towards the cost of caretaking and clerical services.
Should either of the existing shared posts fall vacant, my Department will provide both schools with a grant of £15 per pupil per annum towards the cost of secretarial or caretaking services, subject to a maximum grant of £7,500 to each school in respect of each service, in accordance with the current terms of the PESP scheme.
John Bruton
Ceist:465 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will allocate ex-quota remedial provisions to St. Oliver's post-primary school, Oldcastle, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18765/98]
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that there are many competing demands for increased funding in all sectors of education. These demands are considered within the overall budgetary constraints.
I can assure the Deputy that the position will be kept under review and St. Oliver's post-primary school will be considered when next it is possible to allocate additional ex-quota remedial posts.