Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister and his officials for coming to the committee. The €6 million savings arising from the full amount of the arbitrator's award have been included in the subhead for costs in respect of secretaries and caretakers. How much was spent in this area in 2016 and how was it calculated? Was each school allocated a standard increase or did the Department take account of the hours worked by secretaries and caretakers? I understand schools have flexibility with regard to how they spend this money. Schools are under great financial pressure and I have heard anecdotally that caretakers and secretaries are having their hours cut. Will the Minister provide some clarity on the issue?

Replies to several parliamentary questions indicate that the allocation for the ancillary grant has remained steady in recent years. Does this not mean the grant has reduced in recent years given that school enrolments have increased in the same period?