Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2013
294. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will extend the remote area grant for island children to all boarding schools including those currently not eligible for the grant which would assist when parents wish to send their children to boarding schools rather than boarding houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30682/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Remote Area Boarding Grant is to give pupils who are educationally disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as other pupils not so disadvantaged. Pupils resident on off-shore islands that do not have a school providing suitable free second-level education may also qualify for assistance under the scheme. The grant is paid to the parents of the qualifying child. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that the accommodation which they secure for their child is of an acceptable standard. My Department has no plans to extend the scheme to include schools outside of the free education system.
