IPPN

Published: 12 December 2005

The Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin T.D. has announced a range of increased supports for school management bodies and for newly established schools. Included in the package of measures is an increase of almost threefold in the grant paid to the two management bodies supporting Educate Together and Church of Ireland schools.

The annual grant to Educate Together and the Church of Ireland Board of Education is being increased from just over €40,000 to €120,000. The Catholic Primary School Management Association which supports the majority of primary schools is also having its grant increased from €102,000 to €152,000.

"I am pleased to be in a position to acknowledge the work that these bodies do to support school management in the primary sector" said Minister Hanafin.

As a further measure to support new primary schools the Minister is initiating a training grant for new primary schools. Minister Hanafin said "a grant of €10,000 payable in two instalments of €5,000 will be paid to the boards of management of newly establishing schools for training of the board and staff in their initial years." The Minister indicated that schools established in 04/05 school year and who are now in their second year of operation will receive €5,000 as a training grant for Boards of Management. Those established in this school year will qualify for both instalments of the grant.

In addition Minister Hanafin is allowing new schools to appoint their principal in advance of their first school year to assist in the preparation for their first year of operation.

"I am confident that the enhanced level of funding for school management organisations will enable them to provide support to their existing and newly establishing schools. I am also pleased to be in a position to provide additional supports to newly establishing schools." added the Minister.