THE local contribution paid by parishes to the cost of running primary schools may be abolished, the Minister for Education has indicated. The measure would cost about £45 million introduced.
Ms Breathnach announced the restoration of 1,000 places which were cut from the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) last year. The scheme provides a route for the long term unemployed to return to full time education. An additional 450 places on the Youthreach programme for early school leavers are also being created.
The Minister told a post Budget briefing yesterday that the future of the local contribution at primary level was "under consideration". The contribution currently stands at £9.50 per pupil, compared to the State's capitation grant of £45 up from £40 last year. In disadvantaged schools, the capitation grant is being increased from £65 per pupil to £75.
The local contribution is usually raised through parish collections or donations from parents. However, the decline in attendances at Masses has had its effect on the amount of money Catholic primary schools are able to raise.
Catholic school managers have called for the abolition of the local contribution in return for their agreement to changes in the composition of school boards of management. The Minister's announcement may break the logjam which has prevented talks between her Department and the managers on this issue.
The capital ion grant for secondary schools is being increased by £12 to £177, with corresponding increases for the other types of second level school. For disadvantaged schools, the rise is from £180 to £207.
The Irish National Teachers' Organisation attacked the "miserable" £5 increase in the primary capital ion grant contrasting it to the rise at second level. "Is it that it costs less to keep younger pupils warm? Is it that primary schools need less clothing? Does the Minister not realise that the running costs of small, remote primary schools are much greater," said the INTO general secretary, Senator Joe O'Toole.
Announcing the provision of 5,000 VTOS places this year, Ms Breathnach said the extra places would be carefully targeted on the areas of greatest need. She expressed concern about the drop out rate from the programme.
This year, 2,450 Youthreach places are being provided for 15 to 18 year olds. In addition, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment is providing 500 extra training places for 18 to 20 year olds. The aim here is to address the lack of training opportunities for young people too old for Youthreach but too young for community employment schemes.
However, the National Association for Youthreach Coordinators said the proposals were retrograde as they would force young people to sign on for six months before they could sign up.
At third level, Ms Breathnach confirmed the total abolition of fees this year, and said there would be 97,000 places available. "So it's mischievous for anyone to suggest there is a shortage of places. In fact, the choice is enormous."
