Vol. 508 No. 3
380 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by Scoil Áine primary school, Raheny, Dublin 5, following the withdrawal by FÁS of its secretary who was on a community employment project on 24 September 1999; if he will intervene to ensure that this position is retained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19035/99]
While the responsibility for the operation of FÁS schemes in primary schools rests with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I assure the Deputy that I remain committed to the provision of additional assistance to schools for secretarial services.
Currently, my Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial services in primary schools under two separate schemes.
Under the scheme for the employment of secretaries which was introduced in 1978, my Department meets the full cost of salary and employer's PRSI. Under this scheme a number of primary schools qualified for a shared secretary and Scoil Áine, Raheny, is currently involved in a sharing arrangement with Scoil Eithne, Edenmore. This scheme is, however, being phased out as posts become vacant and there is no provision for the appointment of full-time secretaries in posts which are being shared.
Under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, PESP, a second scheme was introduced in 1992 whereby my Department provides additional capitation grants for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial services.
Should the existing post fall vacant, my Department will provide Scoil Áine and Scoil Eithne with a grant of £15 per pupil per annum towards the cost of secretarial services, subject to a maximum grant of £7,500 to each school, in accordance with the terms of the PESP scheme.
