State paid €530m to private schools in last five years [IrishTimes]
- Published: 14 May 2011
PRIVATE FEE-PAYING schools received more than €530 million in support from the taxpayer in the past five years.
New figures show these schools received €38 million for current funding, €12 million for building projects, €2.6 million for computer supports and €1.2 million for clerical support during this period.
This was over and above the €470 million spent on teachers’ salaries in the same timeframe.
The revelations will increase the pressure on Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn to cut State funding to these schools. During the election campaign, Labour leader Éamon Gilmore signalled some change, expressing concern about a “two-tier” education system. But Mr Quinn has been broadly supportive of present arrangements since taking office.
The figures were revealed in the Dáil this week by Mr Quinn. In the same Dáil answer, he told Independent deputy Maureen O’Sullivan that €6.7 million had been provided from the Dormant Accounts Fund to disadvantaged schools during the same period. Total support for disadvantaged schools from this fund will be only €189,000 this year.
While the €100 million per year for teachers’ salaries has been publicised, the revelation the taxpayer is supporting building projects, computer equipment and other current funding in these schools will generate fresh controversy. The €38 million in current funding is the total under a support scheme for Protestant schools.
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