asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools whose bank accounts were discovered to be in overdraft on audit by his Department; the largest overdraft so far discovered; and if he will state what percentage of this total number of schools audited was accounted for by those schools.

Since the Deputy's Question No. 298 of 26 April 1978 16 further boards of management have come to the notice of the Department as having overdrafts. The largest overdraft amounted to £3,848. Schools with overdrawn accounts represented 13 per cent of the total number of schools audited.

Would the Minister not consider it to be a very serious situation indeed where one-third of, I presume, a random selection of schools are in overdraft and one school is in overdraft to the tune of £3,000? What does the Minister propose to do about it?

I do not know where the Deputy gets the figure one-third.

The Minister said 30 per cent.

No, 13 per cent.

I beg the Minister's pardon.

My enunciation. I agree it is serious when there is an overdraft and we have written to the schools in question.

Is there any indication from the Minister's investigation that the schools themselves were at fault in mismanaging their finances, or is it simply that they have not got enough money?

I should not like to say what the reason for it is until we investigate the matter further. The Deputy is aware that I increased the capitation grant by 25 per cent this year.

Will the Minister give an assurance that legal action will not be taken against these schools for the recovery of moneys or in respect of their having an overdraft or to ensure that they are not obliged to have an overdraft in the future?

I cannot give any assurance as to what action will be taken when the inquiry is complete.

I hope the Minister is not considering any legal action?

Not at the moment.