Enda Kenny
Ceist:393 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason chaplaincy is not recognised in the voluntary secondary school sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34914/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 December 2007
Ceisteanna (345)
Freagraí scríofa
The position is that historically the State funds chaplains in Community and Comprehensive schools and certain Community Colleges under the VEC. It does so in accordance with agreements reached with Church Authorities at the time of first establishment of those types of schools.
Over time the matter of extending State funded chaplaincy to Voluntary Secondary Schools has been the subject of discussion between officials of my Department and Church representatives.
I am not in a position to make any movement in relation to this matter in the context of competing demands that give rise to increases in the public sector numbers.