Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if there have been changes to the conditions of cleaning hours allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16208/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for maintenance and cleaning services in the school referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the principal and the board of management. In addition to the approved staffing maintenance complement, the school in question has also benefited from further significant increases under the school services support initiative. The initial grant of €25 per pupil that was introduced in September 2000 was increased to €89 per pupil from September 2002 and was further increased by €10 per pupil from January 2003, bringing the grant in the case of this school to €99 per pupil per annum.

While provision for secretarial and maintenance, including cleaning support, is a particular focus of this initiative, schools have discretion as to how this additional funding is best utilised in the interests of their pupils.