Vol. 497 No. 6
46 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the funding arrangements in respect of the multi-denominational education sector following his announcement in Galway in January 1998, his meetings with the Educate Together organisation during 1998 and the publication of the Estimates. [24381/98]
51 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, in relation to his announcement in Galway on 22 January 1998 in relation to the capital funding of multi-denominational primary schools. [25901/98]
77 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the capital funding arrangements that apply to multi-denominational primary schools. [25902/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 51 and 77 together.
Multi-denominational schools are funded by my Department on the same basis as the denominational sector. The arrangement provides that where a new school building is to be provided, the patron must provide the entire cost of the site and a local contribution, generally 15 per cent, towards building costs. Similarly, where a vacant school building in private ownership becomes available, the patron must provide the entire cost of the site, 15 per cent of the cost of the building and 15 per cent of any refurbishment costs.
Following the meeting in Galway to which the Deputies refer, I gave consideration to an initiative in regard to the provision of sites and local contributions. I met with Educate Together on 27 October 1998 to discuss these and other matters. Consideration of these issues is being finalised in the context of the Estimates for my Department for 1999.
I hope to be in a position shortly to make a statement in the matter.
