Local Service Charges.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2007

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

Ceisteanna (744)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

810 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines in place regarding the charging of services payments to community schools by local authorities in proportion to the site value, in view of the fact that primary schools do not apparently have to pay such a charge; if discussions have been held with local authorities regarding same including South Dublin County Council regarding a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9783/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

The Department is engaging with the relevant Authorities in relation to service charges generally. The Department will always engage with a Local Authority if it proposes to impose a services charge on a school. In most cases the Department will negotiate with the Local Authority to either waive or reduce the charge being imposed. The Department usually pays the charges imposed and this responsibility does not fall to the individual schools.