Authority for National School Rules and Contributions
Horgan asked what authority permits the Minister to issue national-school rules and require contributions or sites before providing State funds. Wilson cited authority dating to 1831 and declined to characterize past practice as unconstitutional; Horgan challenged the practice as inconsistent with free primary education, while Wilson said he was unaware of public concern.
asked the Minister for Education the authority on the basis of which he exacts contributions in cash and the provision of sites from voluntary organisations and individuals before allocating State funds for the provision and maintenance of national schools.
22.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Education the authority under which he issues (a) the rules for national schools and (b) the guidelines or rules for boards of management in national schools.
Comment on this
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together. The basis for ministerial action in relation to national schools is set out in the rules and regulations which are made by the Minister for Education with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance. Authority for such rules and regulations was conveyed by Government, with the agreement of Parliament, in 1831 to a body to be known and later incorporated as the Commissioners of National Education. This authority was confirmed by annual appropriations of public funds to be expended by the commissioners. Authority in these matters became vested in the Minister for Education under the Ministers and Secretaries Act of 1924. Arrangements for the local management of national schools and for local contribution towards their establishment has been a feature of the system since its beginnings in 1831.
Comment on this
Would the Minister not agree that although the situation is as he has described it, a major change was made by the passage of the 1937 Constitution which requires the State to provide free primary education? Would he not regard the present practices of the Department in this regard as being flagrantly in breach of the Constitution?
Comment on this
I would be very reluctant and chary in accusing my predecessors since 1937 of acting contrary to the Constitution.
Comment on this
Is the Minister not aware of considerable dissatisfaction among ordinary members of the public who read the Constitution and who expect free primary education for their children but who are then told in one way or another that they have to provide cash or sites in order to avail of it?